What if one of the biggest threats to our sewer systems, public health, and city budgets was something we barely notice? In this episode, Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with Eric DuPre to explore the surprising role of the manhole cover in inflow and infiltration (I&I) and sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs).
Eric explains why these simple cast iron lids — many designed centuries ago — are not just access points but also gateways for massive amounts of rainwater to enter sewer systems. In fact, during a single 24-hour storm, one defective manhole cover can allow up to 65,000 gallons of water into the system. Multiply that across tens of thousands of covers in a city like Houston, and you have billions of gallons of overwhelming capacity, leading to costly discharges, fines, and health hazards.
Host: Suzan Chin-Taylor | Guest: Eric DuPre, Founder & President of Texas Infragroup
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What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- History & Context – Why traditional manhole cover designs made sense centuries ago, but no longer serve today’s regulatory and environmental needs.
- Public Health Risks – How sewage that floods streets during rain events leaves behind harmful bacteria and fecal matter that can later become airborne.
- Economic Impact – How cities spend billions treating unnecessary inflow and paying fines — costs that could be drastically reduced with the right upgrades.
- Modern Solutions – The rise of composite, sealed, non-corrosive manhole covers that block I&I, reduce treatment costs, prevent SSOs, and even pave the way for smart monitoring technology.
- Return on Investment – Why municipalities can expect payback in as little as 36 months by switching from outdated cast iron covers to modern alternatives.
Eric emphasizes that while manhole covers may seem insignificant, they represent one of the biggest opportunities for cost savings, environmental protection, and public safety in wastewater infrastructure.
Contact Information:
Eric DuPre / Texas Infra Group, LLC
Websites: texasinfragroup.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-dupre-tx33/
Conclusion:
Manhole covers may seem like the smallest pieces of our infrastructure, but as Eric DuPre explains, they are among the biggest culprits of I&I and SSOs — and also one of the smartest places to invest in change. By rethinking manhole design with sealed, non-corrosive, and even smart technology solutions, municipalities can save millions, protect public health, and extend the life of their systems.
This episode is a reminder that sometimes the greatest opportunities for impact come from the simplest assets.
Until next time—keep growing, and keep it flowing. 💧
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Connect with Suzan Chin-Taylor, host of The DooDoo Diva’s Smells Like Money Podcast:
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