What problem can be caused by infiltration of ground-water into sewers?

The infiltration of groundwater into sewers commonly leads to increased treatment costs. This occurs because the additional water, which is not from the intended wastewater source, has to be treated as if it were regular sewage. This influx can overwhelm the treatment facilities, requiring more resources and energy to handle the increased volume, thereby raising operational costs. Additionally, managing this excess volume can lead to the need for expanded treatment capacity or infrastructure improvements, further driving up costs.

While other issues may also arise from groundwater infiltration, the primary concern regarding operational efficiency and financial implications directly points to the increased treatment costs. Understanding this connection is critical for assessing the implications of groundwater entering sewer systems and the management strategies necessary to address it.