Vacuum Sewer System Information

Certain areas in Virginia Beach require a vacuum sewer system due to flat terrain, low elevation, and/or high water table.

Unlike traditional gravity sewer systems, which rely on slope to transport wastewater, vacuum sewer systems use pressure to move wastewater. 

While effective, vacuum sewer systems depend on mechanical equipment that is more vulnerable to failure during heavy rainfall events.

Vacuum Sewer System Upgrades

To improve system resiliency, Public Utilities is installing a remote monitoring system that provides real-time operational data for the six vacuum sewer service areas in Virginia Beach. The monitoring system is designed to detect emerging issues early, allowing crews to respond quickly to make targeted repairs, and help prevent system-wide failures and sanitary sewer overflows.

This system requires the installation of vacuum sewer pedestals near each vacuum pit. Each individual installation takes between two and four hours. Sewer service is not impacted by this work and residents can continue using the sewer system as normal

Benefits of the Vacuum Sewer System Upgrades

• Issues in the system are detected immediately
• Issues are automatically reported to Public Utilities
• Monitoring system pinpoints the exact location of the failure
• Faster restoration of service
• Detailed data available to diagnose and prevent future issues