Water and Wastewater Terms Beginning S

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SSO (sanitary sewer overflow)

Wastewater that flows out of a collection pipeline (or lift station) as a result of flows exceeding the hydraulic capacity of the system or stoppages in the pipes, or a discharge of wastewater from a location that is not authorized by an NPDES permit. A sanitary sewer overflow may be the result of a pipeline blockage, hydraulic overloading of pipelines or pump stations, equipment malfunctions, or damage to conveyance systems. SSOs exceeding hydraulic capacity usually occur during periods of heavy precipitation or high levels of runoff from snow melt or other runoff sources.