Detect hidden system defects and rainfall- and snowmelt-driven impacts with targeted wet weather inspection services. Civica supports municipalities and developers across Ontario with field-based investigations that identify inflow and infiltration when systems are under the greatest stress.
Civica provides targeted wet weather inspection services to identify, analyze, and support remediation of inflow and infiltration (I&I) and associated system defects. By pinpointing active inflow and infiltration sources when systems are under peak stress, we help ensure remediation decisions are based on real performance issues—not assumptions.
A wet weather inspection involves field inspections carried out when wet weather events are actively influencing system performance. At Civica, we consider wet weather conditions to include:
These periods represent when inflow and infiltration is most likely to occur and when system capacity is under the greatest pressure. Conducting inspections during wet conditions allows engineers to observe real-time system behaviour and identify defects or performance issues that may not be detectable during dry weather.
Wet weather inspections are commonly applied to wastewater collection and drainage systems such as sewers, where infiltration and inflow are most active during heavy rain and snowmelt events.
In dry weather conditions, groundwater levels and soil moisture are typically low. Cracks, joint defects, and deteriorated connections may not be actively leaking, making them difficult or practically impossible to detect at the time through conventional inspections.
In contrast, it is far easier to conduct sewer infiltration inspection during or shortly after rain exposure. The external pressure of water entering the pipes forces water through defects (such as cracks), allowing technicians to visually confirm infiltration pathways using CCTV and targeted field observations.
Wet weather inspections are challenging to plan and execute, requiring data-driven forecasting, flexible field operations, and strict safety protocols. Civica brings the technical expertise, field experience, and integrated services needed to perform effective wet weather inspections safely and efficiently.
Our integrated approach combines rapid-response field investigations, state-of-the-art wet weather CCTV inspection, and engineering analysis to deliver reliable data that informs maintenance planning, I&I reduction programs, and long-term capacity management.
This approach ensures inspection efforts are focused where they deliver the greatest value.
Wet weather inspections play a critical role in:
As storm intensity and frequency increase across Ontario, understanding system performance during wet weather has become essential for effective infrastructure management.
