FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABout DYE TESTING

WHAT IS INFLOW?

Inflow is rainwater or groundwater that enters the sewer system through a direct, piped connection or leaking manhole covers. It is clean water that does not need to be treated as wastewater.

WHAT ARE TYPICAL SOURCES OF INFLOW?

Typical inflow sources include roof downspouts, sump pumps, and driveway drains that are connected to the sewer system. Leaking sewer manhole structures or covers located in low or wet areas are also sources of inflow.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO REMOVE INFLOW SOURCES?

The City is required by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to identify sources of rainwater runoff and groundwater that enter the sewer system. The City pays the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) for every gallon of water that enters the sewer system regardless of its source. Removal of inflow to the sewer system will also reduce sewer capacity and overflow issues, protect surface water quality, and decrease the City’s sewer costs.

WHAT WORK WAS PREVIOUSLY DONE TO IDENTIFY INFLOW, AND WHY?

The City’s Wastewater Master Plan identified areas where flow data suggests inflow issues (i.e., flow increases in response to a rainfall event). The 2019 Private Source Inflow Removal Concept Report conducted investigations in those areas and identified over 100 specific potential sources that are suspected of discharging clean water into the sewer system. 

HOW IS DYE TESTING PERFORMED?

Dye testing involves pouring a non-staining, non-toxic dye into the suspected drain or downspout. 

WHAT WILL THE DYE TEST SHOW?

If the dye is observed in the sewer system, the City will work with the property owner(s) to develop a plan to mitigate the problem. The existing connection will be removed and redirected. For example, downspouts may be redirected to discharge to a lawn area or storm drain. If the dye is not observed, no further action is required. 

WHAT IS THE COST TO THE PROPERTY OWNER(S) FOR THIS PROGRAM? 

The City will coordinate and pay for the work. There will be no cost to the property owner(s) for this work, including the City’s recommended solution for re-direction. 

For more information about the dye testing program, please contact:
Vonnie Reis, Director of Capital Projects
vmr@framinghamma.gov 
508-532-6040

February 2020

Dye testing is now complete.