The City of Tallahassee’s proactive approach to sewer system maintenance, coupled with ongoing investment in infrastructure and a strong commitment to sustainability, ensures the current and future needs of residents are met while simultaneously safeguarding public health and natural resources.

Professionalism, Expertise, and Commitment

• Highly trained and skilled Underground Utilities & Public Infrastructure (UUPI) staff manage various monitoring and maintenance programs utilizing their expertise, industry best practices and state-of-the-art technology to ensure efficiency, data accuracy, and system reliability.
• Staff are among the most well-trained and experienced administrators, technicians, mechanics, operators, and professionals in their field throughout Florida and beyond. More than 120 full-time staff dedicated to sewer collection system operations and maintenance (including pump stations) programs.
• Wastewater professionals are trained and certified through the National Association of Sanitary Sewer Companies (NASSCO) in:
• Pipeline Assessment Certification Program (PACP)
• Manhole Assessment Certification Program (MACP)
• Lateral Assessment Certification Program (LACP)

Monitoring, Inspecting and Perfecting

• Experienced engineers and mechanics collaborate to monitor and enhance operational efficiency and mechanical reliability across the system. Regular inspections of pipes, pump stations, and lift stations help identify potential issues, with repairs often carried out using “trenchless” methods to minimize disruptions to residents and traffic.
• Routine inspections ensure the reliable operation of the sewer system and help address potential problems before they arise.
• To mitigate infiltration and inflow (I&I) issues, which can occur when stormwater enters the sanitary sewer system, potentially leading to overflows. While I&I levels can fluctuate based on rainfall, only 6% of overflows from 2014 to 2023 were attributed to I&I. This low percentage is due to infrastructure upgrades, such as manhole repairs, pipe relining, and outreach to property owners to maintain their sewer connections. Learn more.

Leveraging Technology

• CCTV Pipeline Inspection assists with visual inspections and assessments of gravity sewer pipelines.
• Sewer Line Rapid Assessment Tool (RAT) provides real-time data of the conditions of piped detecting blockages and allowing for the prioritization of maintenance efforts.
• WinCam 360° Manhole Inspection Camera provides detailed video inspections of sewer manholes from the surface, allowing interactive pan, tilt and zoom of recorded video.
• Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA ) provides remote, 24/7 operations and monitoring, and control of sewer pump stations.
• Syrinix PIPEMINDER™ Data Logger captures high-resolution pressure data staff uses to perform detailed transient pressure wave and surge analysis.

Collaboration with Agencies, Organizations, and the Public

• Working closely with local, state, and federal agencies, including the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), staff ensures compliance with environmental regulations, wastewater treatment standards, and sewer system operations. Results routinely show the department meeting or exceeding all regulatory standards.
• Engaging local contractors, engineering firms, and other utility providers to complete infrastructure upgrades, repairs, and routine maintenance boosts efficiency. Collaborative efforts include projects such as sewer line replacement, manhole rehabilitation, and pipe relining, which often require coordination with other public works projects. These partnerships help minimize disruption to residents and ensure the efficient completion of necessary repairs or improvements.
• Before and during severe weather events and natural disasters, staff works to ensure the resilience of the City’s sewer system. Efforts include assessing and monitoring infrastructure, clearing blockages, and making necessary repairs to prevent sewer backups or overflows. The department is also critical to disaster response efforts and works with emergency teams to prepare and respond to issues.
• Members of the Underground Utilities & Public Infrastructure department work hand-in-hand with local environmental organizations to ensure protection of natural resources.
• By actively engaging with residents, through informational workshops, community meetings, and educational campaigns, staff works to raise awareness about proper sewer system maintenance. Discussions include the important role residents have in maintaining private sewer laterals, responsible water use, proper disposal of waste, and the prevention of blockages in the sewer system. The Underground Utilities & Public Infrastructure department encourages property owners to inspect and maintain their private sewer systems regularly. To assist residents, information is available to help address potential issues proactively, minimizing the risk of system strain, contamination, or expensive repairs. Learn more.

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