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Pipes and Pump Stations

The Interceptor Systems Department maintains and operates HRSD's pump stations in Hampton Roads, and nearly 500 miles of interceptor pipe that ranges from 6 to 66 inches in diameter. These interconnecting pipes and pump stations deliver wastewater from city and county collection systems to HRSD wastewater treatment plants.

Interceptor crews can be seen throughout the region checking lines, repairing and replacing broken or aging lines, and maintaining pump stations and equipment. A well-maintained system prevents leaks, protecting the groundwater and keeping stormwater from entering the system.

In emergencies, HRSD crews respond immediately to repair or replace lines as quickly as possible.

Protecting Public Health and the Environment Through HRSD's Regional Sewer System

HRSD's Interceptor System is a network of pipelines designed to deliver wastewater to our award-winning treatment plants. The wastewater is initially collected from homes and businesses by each locality’s sanitary sewer system. The flow is conveyed to HRSD’s system and then pumped under pressure through pipes called force mains.

Excessive Infiltration and Inflow in Local Systems Can Cause Problems

HRSD’s system is designed to keep the pressure required to deliver wastewater from our pump stations to a treatment plant below a maximum level. Excessive wet weather flows cause these pressures to rise above design levels, and can lead to sewer overflows.

The intrusion of ground and surface water into collection systems is a problem known as infiltration and inflow (I/I). The term infiltration refers to the groundwater that seeps through cracks and joints in pipes. Inflow is the water that enters the system through low-lying manhole covers and cross connections within a storm drainage system. When it rains, large volumes of I/I can enter local collection systems and create excessive flows that present major treatment challenges for HRSD.

Because HRSD’s system is shared by many localities, leaking systems in one locality can create problems for other localities and for HRSD. Excessive I/I can cause overflows in neighborhoods and at treatment plants. Treating the extra water also adds to HRSD’s operating costs, which can lead to higher rates. Each of our local partners has a responsibility to maintain its system to eliminate overflows and to minimize cost.

Ensuring A Reliable System

HRSD’s Reliability Division inspects HRSD’s pipelines using small television cameras to determine when replacement, repair or rehabilitation is required. This division also oversees a cathodic protection program that guards against corrosion and investigates any line break to determine the cause. Reliability personnel also assist when localities or businesses tie into HRSD’s system to ensure it is done correctly. Our Miss Utility group locates HRSD pipelines for others to lessen the likelihood of damage during construction projects. In case of a power failure, we have emergency power available either at our pump stations or in the form of portable generators and pumps to ensure continued operation.

Working with Localities to Prevent Overflows

HRSD is pleased to work with our local partners to avoid overflows. We can help identify areas in the localities’ collection systems with I/I problems. Our SCADA alarm system alerts us to potential overflows at key points in our system so we can try to prevent them. We also take an active role in educating others. We have a program that explains the proper design and operation of pump stations to minimize air entrainment, which can seriously corrode pipes. Our “Cease the Grease” initiative helps to educate homeowners about ways they can prevent triggering overflows; however, our most effective overflow prevention tools are the skill and quick response of our dedicated and well-trained staff.

Planning for Future Needs

HRSD develops long-range plans to assure we keep our system capacity at a proper level. Our Capital Improvement Plan includes ongoing projects to rehabilitate older portions of our system and to add new capacity as required to accommodate the needs of our customers.

Protecting our Pipelines - Eliminating Air Entrainment

Click here to download video entitled "Protecting our Pipelines - Eliminating Air Entrainment"
This nine minute video is a useful guide to pump station operations that will reduce pipeline corrosion and failure caused by air entrainment.  

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