The Link Between Climate Change, Wastewater, and Sewer Systems

You might have noticed extreme weather becoming more common in Western Washington, and it isn't your imagination. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) notes that local average temperatures are up by as much as 3° F since 1900, and more precipitation is coming as rain instead of snow.

Atmospheric rivers are also increasing in frequency and severity. Research by the USDA also suggests that these storms could become 25% larger in the near future, putting significant strain on sewer infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest.

We're already running into issues with our sewer systems, as overflows spill into Puget Sound, Elliott Bay, Lake Washington, and Salmon Bay with regularity, dumping massive amounts of chemicals, stormwater, and waterwater into our waterways.

The Ship Canal Water Quality Project is a joint venture by the Seattle Public Utilities and the King County Wastewater Treatment Division that aims to alleviate some of these concerns. It includes the construction of an underground storage tunnel that will reduce overflows and keep more than 75 million gallons of polluted water away from Lake Washington, Lake Union, and Salmon Bay.

Homeowners can also be part of the solution by maintaining their sewer systems to minimize leaks on their properties. Here's a look at the emerging link between climate change, stormwater, and stressed sewer systems so you can make the right decisions for your home.

Climate Change's Impact on Weather Patterns

Perhaps the scariest aspect of climate change is that it alters weather patterns, leading to more frequent and severe weather issues. Global temperatures are rising and the atmosphere is holding more moisture as a result, creating in heavier and more intense rainfall.

This increase in precipitation can cause storms to become more powerful and last longer. As a result, cities are experiencing unprecedented volumes of stormwater in short periods, putting immense pressure on existing infrastructure.

The surge in stormwater from these extreme weather events can overwhelm sewer systems, especially those that are decades old. When sewers reach capacity, they can overflow, spilling untreated sewage into rivers, lakes, and communities.

This spillage is terrible for the environment and creates serious public health risks, so developing a solution will be a top priority for officials in the Pacific Northwest.

How Stormwater Overwhelms Sewer Systems

Large volumes of water accumulate rapidly during heavy rainfall or storms and exceed what most urban sewer systems can handle.

This issue is prevalent in cities with combined sewer systems that manage stormwater and wastewater in a single pipe. These systems get overrun with too much water and can't process it all at once.

The water and sewage mixture then flows into nearby rivers, lakes, and oceans. It can contaminate drinking water sources, harm aquatic ecosystems, and expose communities to dangerous pathogens, creating long-term problems in these communities.

You might even notice flooding in streets and homes, spreading pollutants further and making cleanup a widespread problem.

The Connection Between Stormwater Runoff and Homeowner Responsibility

Stormwater runoff during extreme weather events can increase the pressure on public and private sewer systems. When heavy rainfall occurs, stormwater flows over roofs, driveways, and other hard surfaces, accumulating and overwhelming local sewer systems.

A storm runoff can enter private sewer lines, too, through cracks or breaks. This water puts even more strain on the public sewer system and the risk of sewer overflows increases.

While there's little you can do about the city's sewer system overflowing, you can take steps at your home or business to prevent flooding and stop stormwater from entering the system from your property.

As you know, you have a private sewer line connecting your home to the public sewer system. This pipe could experience damage before, during, or after extreme weather events in the region for many reasons.

Heavy rainfall, shifting ground, and tree roots can compromise these lines, causing cracks, blockages, or leaks. Sewer line damage allows wastewater to seep out and stormwater to flow in, further stressing the already overwhelmed public sewer system.

Fortunately, you can keep your sewer line in good condition by keeping an eye out for some warning signs. Start by looking for signs of trouble like slow drains, foul odors, or unusually lush patches of grass in your yard because they could indicate a leak.

It's also wise to have a professional Sewer and Drain Plumber inspect your sewer lines, especially after severe weather. A plumber can use cameras to look for blockages, cracks, or tree root intrusions that may need repair, helping you proactively stay on top of the problem. Hunt’s Services, Puget Sound’s top rated and trusted sewer and drain plumbers, provides licensed and professional sewer cleaning, repair, and replacement services to homes and businesses in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Olympia and surrounding areas.

The Climate Change Problem

We won't solve climate change overnight, but local governments are working toward solutions for the chaos it can cause. You can do your part, too, by keeping your sewer system in excellent condition, especially during the rainy season in the Pacific Northwest.