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Abstract
Aging wastewater infrastructure is a growing problem for cities nationwide. Identifying vulnerabilities in sewer networks is crucial for sustainable urban planning. However, site-specific data on structural weaknesses in centralized wastewater infrastructure is limited. Georgia maintains a record of reported sewage spills, and this study used those data to evaluate changes in sewage spill distribution over time and examine relationships between unintentional spills, socio-economic variables, and precipitation events. Spills reported throughout the study period declined over time. Factors positively associated with higher spill density included poverty and population density. Weather events can compromise sewer systems, perpetuating inequities linked to failing infrastructure. There was a positive relationship between spill reporting and precipitation, an interaction intensified in areas reporting multiple spills. The findings suggest these records can identify weak spots in wastewater infrastructure and support proactive planning for population growth and urban expansion under changing climate conditions.