Kentucky American Water to evaluate Owenton sewer system

Kentucky American Water will launch a comprehensive assessment of its Owenton, US sanitary sewer system using the latest technologies and equipment.

The ten-month project will include common maintenance as well as the ‘jetting’ of sewer lines to clear away any buildup inside pipes. Digital video equipment will also travel through the lines to provide a visual look at conditions, and smoke testing will help to identify possible points of inflow or infiltration into the sewer system, as well as night-time wastewater flow monitoring. Equipment will also capture data on rainfall and wastewater flows.

Engineering firm O’Brien & Gere has been retained for the project by Kentucky American Water, which is scheduled to begin in mid-February.

Kentucky American Water president Cheryl Norton said that this type of comprehensive assessment is done periodically to document the condition of the system and help to identify and prioritise any needed repairs and maintenance.

"Whether waste water or drinking water, all water systems need to be properly maintained and upgraded, and that is a responsibility we take very seriously. This study will provide critical information to guide our ongoing efforts," Norton added.

Owenton’s sewer system transports around 300,000 gallons of sewage a day to the wastewater treatment plant. Pipes carrying sewage from homes and businesses to wastewater treatment plants are separated from the storm water drainage using the system.