As temperatures drop and fall rains increase across much of the U.S., industrial facilities face a familiar challenge: managing how seasonal weather changes affect their wastewater systems. For many of the manufacturers, logistics hubs, and waste generators we work with, these shifts can bring everything from higher flow volumes to disrupted treatment efficiency.
At Valicor, we see the same pattern every year. The combination of increased precipitation, cooler temperatures, and changes in biological activity can all play a role in wastewater behavior, and in how systems need to adapt.
1. Heavy Rainfall and Inflow/Infiltration Stress
Autumn often brings higher rainfall totals, especially in regions like the Midwest and Southeast. The EPA notes that excessive inflow and infiltration (I&I) during wet weather can overwhelm treatment infrastructure and lead to unpermitted discharges or partial treatment events.
Read More - NPDES Stormwater Program
For industrial facilities, particularly those with outdoor sumps, containment areas, or combined drainage, this can mean more than just nuisance water. Runoff may pick up oils, debris, or process residues, introducing contaminants that require collection and treatment before discharge.
At Valicor, we often see this in metal finishing, coatings, and logistics operations, where uncovered outdoor areas can become entry points for contaminated water. Temporary containment or emergency collection can help prevent cross-contamination with clean stormwater.
2. Cooler Temperatures and Biological Slowdown
For facilities that rely on biological treatment systems, cooler air and water temperatures can reduce microbial activity. This can impact the breakdown of organics and lead to higher BOD/COD in effluent.
A study from the Rural Community Assistance Partnership highlights how changing temperatures can set back lagoon and biological system performance if operators don’t adjust retention times or aeration rates.
Read More - RCAP: Changing Temperatures in Wastewater Lagoons
For industries like food and beverage production or pulp and paper, this means planning ahead. Adjusting operating conditions, or temporarily diverting high-strength wastewater for off-site treatment, can help avoid compliance issues when efficiency dips.
3. Odor and Corrosion Concerns in Transitional Weather
As temperatures fluctuate between warm days and cool nights, wastewater holding tanks and pits may experience more odor release or corrosion. Sulfide formation can increase with stagnant conditions and varying dissolved oxygen levels.
This is particularly noticeable at chemical processing and consumer packaged goods (CPG) facilities that store wastewater before shipment or treatment. Regular monitoring, ventilation, and cleaning during these shoulder seasons can prevent odor complaints and equipment degradation.
4. Stormwater Cross-Contamination and Permit Risk
In some regions, fall storms are sudden and intense, overwhelming stormwater systems. When stormwater mixes with industrial wastewater, it can transform a non-hazardous stream into one that requires full treatment or profiling.
EPA guidance under the Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) requires facilities to maintain best management practices (BMPs) that prevent contact between industrial materials and stormwater.
Read More - EPA MSGP Overview
At Valicor, we frequently help clients perform wastewater profiling and analysis to determine the right treatment path after such events, ensuring that collected water is managed correctly and cost-effectively.
5. Preparing for the Season Ahead
While fall weather brings challenges, it also presents an opportunity to review your wastewater management plan. Facilities that proactively test and document their waste streams, clean out containment systems, and plan for variable flows are better positioned to stay compliant year-round.
If your system experiences higher flows or reduced treatment efficiency during the wet season, consider reviewing options for:
- Temporary or emergency wastewater collection
- Off-site treatment partnerships during heavy weather
- Pre-treatment optimization before colder months
A Partner for Every Season
At Valicor, we specialize in industrial wastewater treatment, collection, and recycling, helping our partners stay compliant and environmentally responsible no matter what the weather brings. Our teams work with manufacturers, logistics operators, and processors across the country to manage everything from routine waste streams to emergency containment and cleanup.
As fall sets in, now is a good time to take a closer look at your systems before winter arrives. If you’d like to talk about preparing your facility for seasonal changes, we’d be glad to start that conversation.
