Inflow, Infiltration and Water Loss

Understanding Water Loss and Inflow & Infiltration

The Town of Olds is actively working to reduce water loss and inflow and infiltration (I&I) throughout the community.

Water loss occurs when treated drinking water escapes from the distribution system through leaks, breaks or aging infrastructure. Inflow and infiltration occurs when groundwater, potable or stormwater enters the sanitary sewer system through cracks, damaged pipes, failing manholes or improper connections.

Both issues place additional strain on municipal infrastructure and increase operating costs. Water that is lost through leaks has already been treated and paid for. Similarly, groundwater and stormwater that enter the sanitary sewer system must still be transported and treated, even though they do not belong in the system.

Reducing water loss and I&I helps improve system reliability, protect infrastructure capacity, conserve resources and reduce long-term costs for the community.

Why It Matters

Olds relies on a complex network of water and wastewater infrastructure to deliver safe drinking water and manage wastewater every day. Much of this infrastructure is underground and requires ongoing maintenance, monitoring and renewal.

When water is lost through leaks or excess water enters the sanitary sewer system, the Town must spend additional resources to transport, treat and manage water that would otherwise not need to be processed. This can increase operating costs and place unnecessary pressure on pipes, pumps and treatment systems.

By identifying and repairing problems early, the Town can make better use of existing infrastructure, improve service reliability and help ensure utility systems remain sustainable for the future.

Progress to Date

The Town of Olds has been actively investigating and repairing sources of water loss and inflow and infiltration (I&I) for several years. Through ongoing inspections, monitoring, leak detection and infrastructure repairs, the Town has made measurable progress in improving the efficiency of its water and wastewater systems.

2026 Results at a Glance

• Water loss reduced to 14.88%
• I&I reduced to 25.95%
• 9 water system repairs completed
• 22 sanitary system repairs completed
• 29 leaks identified through the water meter program

Water Loss

Water loss has steadily decreased in recent years:

• 32.42% in 2023
• 28.12% in 2024
• 19.82% in 2025
• 14.88% so far in 2026

In 2026, crews have completed 9 water system repairs as part of ongoing leak detection and repair efforts. Additional leaks have also been identified through improved system monitoring and the Town's water meter replacement program, including:

• 9 service line leaks
• 1 watermain leak
• 19 leaks within homes

Inflow and Infiltration (I&I)

The Town has also continued to reduce the amount of groundwater and stormwater entering the sanitary sewer system.

The I&I rate improved from 30.73% in 2025 to 25.95% so far in 2026.

To support these improvements, crews have completed 22 sanitary system repairs in 2026 and continue to use flow monitoring, inspections and targeted rehabilitation work to identify and address problem areas throughout the system.

These ongoing efforts help improve system performance, reduce operating costs and extend the life of critical infrastructure.

How the Town is Reducing Water Loss and I&I

Reducing water loss and inflow and infiltration requires a combination of ongoing monitoring, inspections, repairs and infrastructure renewal. The Town uses several tools and strategies to identify issues early and target repairs where they will have the greatest impact.

Leak Detection and Monitoring

The Town uses advanced monitoring equipment and leak detection technology to identify water leaks that may not be visible at the surface. By locating leaks earlier, crews can make repairs before they become larger and more costly problems.

Inspections and System Assessments

Regular inspections of water and wastewater infrastructure help identify areas where repairs or replacement may be needed. This includes monitoring water flows, inspecting manholes and assessing the condition of underground pipes.

Infrastructure Repairs and Renewal

As aging infrastructure is identified, the Town completes targeted repairs and replacement projects to improve system performance and reliability. This work helps reduce water loss, limit groundwater infiltration and extend the life of critical infrastructure.

Water Meter Replacement Program

The Town's water meter replacement program is providing improved system data and helping identify leaks that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. To date, the program has helped identify service line leaks, watermain leaks and leaks within homes.

The new meters also provide more accurate consumption readings, helping improve system monitoring and support future water conservation efforts.

How Residents Can Help

Residents play an important role in helping reduce water loss and protect municipal infrastructure.

If you notice standing water, unusual wet spots, water pooling near roads or sidewalks, or signs of a potential watermain break, please report it to the Town as soon as possible.

Residents can also help by repairing leaking fixtures, monitoring their water use and reporting concerns through the Town's Report-a-Problem system.

Working together helps protect valuable water resources and supports a reliable and sustainable utility system for the entire community.

Detailed information about the town’s water and wastewater systems is available at Water, Conservation and Wastewater.