Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Survey (SSES) in Florida
Aging sewer infrastructure often allows infiltration to enter collection systems, leading to increased treatment costs, hydraulic overloading, and potential sanitary sewer overflows. A comprehensive Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Survey (SSES) identifies sources of inflow and infiltration (I&I) and structural defects within a municipal wastewater network.
At Flotech Environmental, we specialize in SSES in Florida, supporting municipalities and engineering firms by gathering the field data and analysis needed to pinpoint issues, prioritize repairs, and ensure compliance with state and federal environmental regulations.
Flotech’s approach combines analytical testing and field inspection, using industry-standard methods such as:
CCTV inspection: High-definition video documentation of internal pipe condition, identifying cracks, root intrusion, and blockages.
Smoke testing: Pinpoints illegal connections, leaks, or open defects in the system
Flow monitoring: Measures hydraulic performance and quantifies infiltration and inflow (I&I) rates
Manhole inspection: Evaluates and documents structural integrity and evidence of infiltration
Dye testing: Verifies pipe connectivity and detects cross-contamination between storm and sanitary systems
The result is a complete map of system condition and performance, supported by visual evidence and quantitative data. Flotech Environmental’s SSES deliverables are formatted to integrate directly with municipal GIS and CMMS platforms, ensuring field data supports long-term asset management and capital improvement planning.
What Is an SSES?
An SSES is an organized, data-driven assessment of a sanitary sewer system. It involves a series of inspections, tests, and analyses that reveal how effectively a system is performing. The purpose is to locate sources of unwanted water, from groundwater infiltration, stormwater inflow, or structural failures, that can overload treatment plants, cause overflows, and accelerate infrastructure degradation.
The result is a complete map of system condition and performance, supported by visual evidence and quantitative data. Flotech Environmental’s SSES deliverables are formatted to integrate directly with municipal GIS and CMMS platforms, ensuring field data supports long-term asset management and capital improvement planning.
Why Municipalities Need SSES Programs
Across Florida, municipalities are facing the challenge of aging infrastructure, increasing rainfall intensity, and rapid population growth. These factors increase the risk of I&I and sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). Without accurate data, it’s difficult to prioritize repairs, justify budgets, or maintain compliance. An SSES, whether conducted in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, or other Florida cities, gives decision-makers the insight they need to gauge condition, performance, and risk, before investing in maintenance and rehabilitation.
Key reasons municipalities rely on sanitary sewer evaluation surveys include:
Reducing sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) and preventing backups
Extending the life of existing sewer assets
Demonstrating compliance with the Clean Water Act and FDEP permit requirements
Planning rehabilitation projects and budgets based on measurable data
Protecting local waterways and ecosystems by minimizing contamination risk
Flotech Environmental partners with public works departments and engineering consultants to design and execute SSES programs that meet project-specific goals, regulatory standards, and budget requirements.
Our Approach to Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Surveys
Preliminary Planning and Data Review
We start by collecting existing maps, flow data, and historical maintenance records. This allows us to target inspection areas and create an efficient and effective project plan.
At Flotech Environmental, each SSES is executed by trained, NASSCO-certified technicians using calibrated, high-resolution inspection equipment. Our methodology is built around safety, accuracy, and accountability.
Field Investigations and Testing
Using CCTV cameras, smoke generators, dye testing and flow meters, our teams perform controlled field assessments. Each observation is coded per NASSCO PACP/MACP standards, logged, photographed, and geo-referenced for future analysis.
Data Analysis and Reporting
The findings are analyzed to determine the extent of infiltration and inflow (I&I). Defects are prioritized by severity and impact on the system’s performance.
Rehabilitation Recommendations
The final deliverable is a comprehensive package that includes detailed reports of the condition of the system, a list of notable defects, GIS maps, and rehabilitation strategies such as grouting for joint or lateral sealing, Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) lining, or manhole rehabilitation and frame sealing. Each recommendation is designed to improve system efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Our SSES services in Florida are tailored to meet local conditions, including high groundwater tables, heavy rainfall, and coastal flooding challenges that can accelerate infiltration and inflow.
Benefits of Partnering with Flotech Environmental
Municipalities and engineering firms choose Flotech Environmental for SSES in Miami and across Florida because of our technical precision, dependable field execution, and commitment to regulatory compliance.
Advantages of our SSES program include:
Accurate identification of infiltration and inflow (I&I) sources
Reduced risk of regulatory fines and FEDP or EPA consent orders
Improved sewer capacity and treatment plant efficiency
Enhanced planning for capital improvement projects
Transparent reporting with digital video, photos, and mapping
Experienced NASSCO-certified crews with a focus on safety and quality
Our integrated services, from cleaning and CCTV inspection to trenchless rehabilitation, allow clients to transition seamlessly from investigation to repair using a single, accountable partner.
With offices serving Miami, Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale, and the Tampa Bay region, Flotech Environmental has extensive experience supporting Florida municipalities with complex sewer system evaluations. We understand the state’s environmental regulations, permitting requirements, soil profiles, and groundwater conditions that can influence infiltration and inflow dynamics.
Environmental protection is central to our mission. Each sanitary sewer evaluation survey we perform contributes to reducing pollution, conserving water, and strengthening community resilience against flooding and infrastructure failure.
Local Expertise and Environmental Commitment
Schedule an SSES with Flotech
If your city or utility system needs accurate, defensible data on sewer performance, partner with Flotech Environmental for a professional Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Survey (SSES) in Florida. Our NASSCO-certified specialists deliver precise diagnostics, GIS-integrated reporting, and proven rehabilitation recommendations to protect your community and your infrastructure investment.
Contact Flotech Environmental today to request a proposal or consultation for your next SSES in Miami or anywhere throughout Florida.