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Our expertise

Detecting and Reducing Extraneous Water in Sewer Networks

UNITECHNICS SÜD offers systematic solutions for capturing, analyzing, and reducing extraneous water in sewer networks and drainage systems.

The problem

Extraneous water in sewer networks

Extraneous water enters the sewer system uncontrolled and often remains undetected for a long time. It burdens sewers, pumping stations, and treatment plants, increases operating costs, and can lead to hydraulic overloads during rain events.

Possible causes include leaking pipes and manholes, groundwater ingress, faulty connections, surface water entering through manhole covers, and weather- and time-of-day-dependent inflows.

Our approach

Measuring, analyzing, planning, implementing

We combine measurement technology, data analysis, and area delimitation into a structured approach — not just measuring extraneous water, but identifying affected network areas and possible causes.

Extraneous water measurement

Measurement campaigns and systematic analysis to capture the current condition of the sewer network.

Source analysis

We analyze measurement data, water levels, and time series to narrow down possible sources of extraneous water.

Action planning

We derive concrete recommendations from measurement and analysis results and prioritize affected network areas.

UniVario System DN625

Combines an automatic extraneous water seal with an odor suppression module — closes automatically when surface water arrives, then reopens for ventilation.

Further reading

Frequently asked questions about extraneous water

What is extraneous water in a sewer network?

Extraneous water enters the wastewater system uncontrolled and often remains undetected for a long time. It burdens sewers, pumping stations, and treatment plants, and can cause hydraulic overloads during rain events.

What causes extraneous water in sewer networks?

Possible causes include leaking pipes and manholes, groundwater ingress, faulty connections, surface water entering through manhole covers, and weather- and time-of-day-dependent inflows.

How is extraneous water measured?

Through measurement campaigns and systematic analysis, including pumping station data, night-time measurements to determine minimum flow, and water level and volume analyses with sensors.