Canalizarea

Canalizarea refers to the network of underground pipes, facilities, and processes used to collect, transport, and, in many cases, treat urban wastewater and sometimes stormwater. It is a key part of modern sanitation, aimed at protecting public health and the environment by removing wastewater from homes, businesses, and public spaces.

A typical canalization system collects wastewater through a network of gravity-driven pipes, with manholes and pumping stations providing access and vertical movement when required. The collected wastewater is usually carried to a wastewater treatment plant, where solids and pollutants are reduced before the treated water is discharged to a natural water body or reused. In some areas, stormwater drainage runs in the same pipes (combined sewer systems), while others use separate networks for sanitary sewage and stormwater.

Systems can be categorized as unified (combined) or separate. Combined systems carry both sanitary sewage and rainwater and can overflow during heavy rainfall, risking pollution. Separate systems route sanitary wastewater and stormwater independently, reducing the risk of contamination but requiring more extensive infrastructure.

Maintenance and operation involve regular inspection, cleaning, and repair of pipes, prevention of infiltration and inflow, and rehabilitation of aging infrastructure. Common methods include relining pipes, repairing joints, and upgrading pumping stations. Effective management also requires planning for future capacity, balancing costs with environmental and health goals, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Canalization is typically provided and financed by municipalities or water utilities and is subject to environmental standards and public health requirements. Its proper functioning is essential for urban health, environmental protection, and sustainable water management.