Wastewater Treatment: The Basics

When it comes to water, society should always look for ways to improve. One of the most important steps in this process is making sure local wastewater treatment works as it should. There are many types of wastewater treatment systems and each one has a specific purpose.

Why is Treatment Important?

Wastewater is the liquid that is produced from human utilities such as toilets, sinks, and showers. This water often contains a variety of contaminants, such as sludge from toilet bowl cleaners.

Because of all the pollutants in the wastewater, people should find ways to remove them before they enter rivers or streams. Wastewater treatment focuses on removing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Chemical methods involve reacting pollutants with chemicals to remove them from the water. Physical methods involve the use of mechanical devices, such as a mini dredge or a filter press rental.

How Does Treatment Work?

Wastewater treatment generally consists of three different phases: primary, secondary, and tertiary.

Primary treatment involves the use of mechanical and biological methods to remove unwanted solids from the wastewater. These solids are either removed in a settling tank or used as a source of energy for electricity production in hydroelectric power plants.

Secondary treatment removes suspended and colloidal particles in the wastewater by adding chemicals like chlorine. This process is usually referred to as disinfection.

Tertiary treatment is applied to remove dissolved organic compounds, heavy metals, and nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorus) from the wastewater. These types of treatments can either be achieved by chemical or physical means such as aeration tanks.

Once wastewater has been properly treated, it’s sent back into the environment through rainwater runoff systems or discharged into streams with strict permits. The water is then available to help the surrounding ecosystem flourish, making for a healthier planet overall.