Peter Simms, PE presented at the Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) in Chicago alongside Kristen Sealey from Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) and Jennifer Baldwin from Jacobs Engineering on the Programmatic Approach to Cost-Effective Infiltration and Inflow (I&I) Reduction. GRU, like many Florida communities, is feeling the impact of aging infrastructure on its wastewater collection system. This presentation discussed how wastewater flow data is analyzed to determine the leakiest portions of GRU’s collection system and to target condition assessment and rehabilitation projects in those areas.

The WEFTEC Conference is the largest water quality conference in the world, and I&I reduction efforts was a popular topic in discussions and presentations. “It was great to participate in this conference, and to interact with other water professionals from across the country and learn how they are tackling their I/I reduction efforts,” Peter said.