ABINGTON, Pa. — Illicit discharges are responsible for poor water quality in many U.S. streams, lead to potential health problems for people playing in the streams, and are illegal.
That’s why Penn State Abington researchers are gathering the best minds in the region to help save Philadelphia’s natural water systems.
Penn State Abington, in partnership with the Philadelphia Water Department, invites faculty-led undergraduate and graduate student teams from local colleges and universities to participate in the Philadelphia Water Challenge: Cross Connection Detection Improvement Contest.
Philadelphia Water’s Separate Storm Sewer system is vulnerable to dry weather discharges through cracked or misconnected laterals or pipes that allow sanitary sewage to enter the pipes that discharge directly to local streams and rivers.
These discharges can lead to water quality violations and potential health concerns.
For decades, utilities and municipalities have spent millions to track down and abate these misconnected laterals.
The winner will be the team that demonstrates a functional methodology and/or technology to improve illicit connection detection.
What’s your best solution to detecting these illicit discharges?
Get started now by registering for the Philadelphia Water Challenge: Cross Connection Detection Improvement Contest.
Penn State Abington provides an affordable, accessible, and high-impact education resulting in the success of a diverse student body.