Why is it important to perform flow monitoring during dry weather?

Performing flow monitoring during dry weather is crucial primarily to identify sources of infiltration that may not be evident during wet conditions. During dry periods, the absence of significant external water influence, such as rainfall, allows for a clearer assessment of the sewer system's performance and the presence of unwanted water intrusion, often manifested as inflow and infiltration. This can include assessing groundwater seepage or issues related to damaged infrastructure that could lead to increased flow rates, which are not masked by stormwater during wet weather.

Monitoring during dry weather helps utilities proactively detect and mitigate these problems, ensuring the long-term efficiency of wastewater systems and preventing capacity issues downstream. In contrast, analyzing flow rates for wastewater treatment, assessing the impact of precipitation on flow, and evaluating the structural integrity of sewer lines involves different aspects of system management and typically rely on a broader range of conditions and testing to provide comprehensive insights into the system's performance and maintenance needs.