What issue can infiltration of groundwater into sewers potentially create?

The infiltration of groundwater into sewers can create significant problems, primarily because it can lead to the introduction of excessive water into the sewer system. This situation can overwhelm the system's design capacity, leading to overflows and possible contamination of surrounding areas. Moreover, when groundwater infiltrates sewers, it can mix with waste and potentially introduce elements that can create explosive or toxic conditions.

For instance, when groundwater carries chemicals, it may interact with sewage, prompting dangerous reactions and producing harmful gases. The presence of such contaminants increases the risk of hazardous situations that can impact the safety of workers and the surrounding community.

While other aspects, such as higher maintenance costs or reduced sewer capacity, may also arise from groundwater infiltration, the specific and dire implications of introducing harmful materials and gases present a more severe risk. Thus, the primary concern with groundwater infiltration centers on the potential for creating dangerous conditions through the introduction of toxic substances.