Wastewater

Wastewater Expert Witness & Sanitary Engineering Consultant

A sewage backup floods a basement. A septic system fails right after closing. A sewer line breaks, and nobody can agree on why. When this happens, attorneys and insurance teams need answers they can trust. That’s where I come in.

I’m Bonneau Dickson, PE. I’m a sanitary engineer wastewater consultant with over 40 years of hands-on experience in water and wastewater systems. I work as a wastewater expert witness for attorneys, insurers, and property owners all over the country, including as an onsite wastewater expert witness when a site visit is what the case needs.

What Does a Wastewater Expert Witness Actually Do?

A lot of people aren’t sure what this job looks like day to day. So let’s keep it simple. I investigate what went wrong with a water or wastewater system. Then, I figured out why it happened. Finally, I explain it in plain English, not engineer-speak.

This work can include reviewing drawings, inspection reports, maintenance logs, or site photos. Sometimes, I visit the property myself to see things firsthand and conduct a full wastewater damage investigation. Either way, my job is the same: turn technical evidence into a clear, honest opinion. One that holds up in a courtroom or a settlement talk.

I’ve evaluated cases involving:

• Sewage backups
• Septic system failures
• Sewer pipe breaks
• Pump station malfunctions
• Stormwater drainage problems
• Wastewater leaks and the property damage that follows

If your case touches wastewater, sanitary sewers, or related civil infrastructure, it’s probably a good fit for me.

Why Do Attorneys and Insurers Call Me?

Legal teams don’t want guesswork. They need a wastewater litigation expert who can back up an opinion with real design and operations experience, not just textbook knowledge. Many of the attorneys I work with are looking for a wastewater expert witness for attorneys who can speak to both the engineering and legal aspects of a case, not just one or the other.

Over the years, I’ve designed, managed, and inspected sewer networks, pump stations, wells, water lines, and treatment facilities. I’ve done this work for municipalities and private clients, both in the U.S. and abroad.

That hands-on background matters. It’s what lets me tell the difference between a design flaw, an installation mistake, poor maintenance, or just bad luck. I also know a report full of jargon doesn’t help anyone. So I write and testify in a way that non-engineers can follow, without dumbing down the technical substance.

Areas I Focus On

• Septic system failures and septic disclosure disputes
• Sewage backup and sewer failure investigations
• Pump station failures
• Water distribution and potable water system problems
• Wastewater leaks and treatment facility issues
• Sewer and pump station design review
• Sewer maintenance plan evaluations

How Does the Process Work?

Here’s what working with me looks like, step by step:

1. Case review. I look at the documents and site details you have. Then I let you know if the case fits my expertise.
2. Investigation. I dig into the technical evidence. If needed, I visit the site to find the root cause.
3. Analysis. I compare what I find against industry standards, codes, and accepted engineering practice.
4. Reporting. I put my findings into a clear, written report.
5. Testimony. I’m available for depositions, mediations, and trial testimony. I explain my conclusions in terms anyone can follow.

What Makes Me Different?

Not every consultant on a wastewater case has actually designed and managed the systems they’re evaluating. I have. As a wastewater design consultant on real municipal and private projects, I bring that same design know-how to every failure investigation.

My forensic work is built on decades of real project experience. That means my opinions are grounded in how these systems actually work in the real world, not just how they’re supposed to work on paper.

Looking for Expert Case Support?

Are you an attorney or adjuster working through a wastewater or sanitary engineering dispute? I’d be glad to take a look. Contact me today to schedule a consultation and see how my experience can support your case!

Frequently Asked Questions