What is an interceptor sewer designed to do?

An interceptor sewer is specifically designed to transport wastewater from smaller, local collection systems to a central treatment facility. This infrastructure is crucial in managing wastewater flow efficiently, ensuring that sewage generated from residential and commercial areas is conveyed to treatment plants where it can be processed and treated appropriately. The key function of an interceptor sewer is to handle larger volumes of wastewater that accumulate in the collection systems, which can include multiple smaller sewer lines.

While there are systems in place to prevent overflow or to store excess wastewater during peak flows, those functions are typically managed by other types of infrastructure, such as combined sewer overflow (CSO) systems and storage basins, rather than the interceptor sewer itself. Similarly, recycling treated wastewater is a separate process that occurs after wastewater has already been treated and is not a primary purpose of interceptors. Therefore, the focus of an interceptor sewer on transferring wastewater to treatment facilities aligns directly with its intended design and function.