The Saraland Water and Sewer System (SAWSS) is committed to improving the overall efficiency and condition of of their water and sewer infrastructure with the goal of maintaining affordable rates while eliminating the potential for impacts to the local environment. In an effort to identify and secure funding to achieve these goals, the Saraland Water and Sewer System recently applied for funding for sewer improvements from the Mobile County Consortium for Community Development Block Grant Funding (CDBG). The application asked for funding assistance to install Cured in Place Pipe (CIPP) in the sanitary sewer main lines for Shelton Beach Estates on Stauffer and North Courtaulds Street. This project was identified through SAWSS’ continual efforts to include smoke testing of aging infrastructure..
The Mobile County Commission approved the grant application and will award $100,000 towards SAWSS’ project. The total project cost is estimated to be $256,524 and the remaining funding will be provided by the Saraland Water and Sewer System.
Inflow and infiltration (I and I) cause many problems to SAWSS’ treatment process and environment within the sewer system. First, it causes dilution of sanitary sewer influent, which in turn results in the loss of the bacteria needed in the secondary treatment process and as well as much higher sludge production. In the collection system, sewage backs up into houses at lower elevations, and manholes overflow into the streets and waterways, causing environmental and public health threats. CIPP is an innovative technology that installs a fiberglass liner inside an existing pipe. This technology can seal sanitary sewer mains without having to performing excavations techniques to install the new pipe as most sewer lines in this area are installed in sensitive stream and wetlands areas and is a much safer approach for workers. For more information about this project, please call the Saraland Water and Sewer Service at (251) 675-5126.