This indicator is part of Quality wastewater systems.

Indicator description:

This indicator tracks and compares the rate of sewer overflows related to the wastewater collection system, managed by the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (ABCWUA). These overflows were not caused by general flooding or precipitation. Sewer overflow rate is a good indicator of the condition of the collection system and the effectiveness of the maintenance of that system. The indicator is compared to other similar systems: combined water and wastewater utilities; large utilities serving populations greater than half a million people; and utilities in the western United States. 

Why is this indicator relevant?

Wastewater systems are composed of two major components: the collection system and the treatment system. The sewer overflow rate measures the condition of the collection system. Overflows themselves are events that threaten health and cause property damage, not to mention public relations problems. Utilities strive to maintain collection systems so that overflows are minimized and wastes are effectively transported to the treatment facilities.

Data Sources:
Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (ABCWUA) Fiscal Year 2008 and 2009 Performance Plans, citing American Water Works Association (AWWA) Benchmarking survey.

What can we tell from the data?

• The collection system is growing from 1,926 in 2004 to an estimated 2,200 miles in 2007 (over 14%).
• The overflow rate has gradually increased from 2004 through 2007.
• The ABCWUA compares very well to other utilities, ranking in the top quartile of large utilities and well within the median for combined utilities and western utilities.

For Help in understanding this page, see Understanding Indicators.