Analysis of sewer blockage causes using open data

ABSTRACT Sewer blockages, a recurring issue, lead to backups, overflows, flooding, and environmental contamination. Various factors contribute to these blockages from simple clogs to collapsed sewers and inoperable pumping stations. Improper disposal of products labeled as ‘flushable’, and the degradation of sewer pipes further increases blockage frequency. Open data initiatives by various government levels provide valuable insights into factors contributing to sewer blockages, aiding in planning and operational management. This study utilized open data from Toronto to identify factors contributing to reported sewer blockages, focusing on physical sewer characteristics, population density, tree density, and precipitation. Geospatial analysis techniques, including hotspot analysis, ordinary least squares regression, and geographically weighted regression, were employed. The results revealed that tree root intrusion and the average age of pipes are significant factors contributing to blockages. These findings offer city managers insights to improve inspection and maintenance planning, refine scheduling, and develop strategies to reduce blockages, ensuring uninterrupted sewer operations.