it all starts here... a day in the life of your waste water

It All Starts Here..

.

A day in the life of your A day in the life of your waste water...waste water...

…collects in sewer pipes...

…and arrives at your local waste water treatment facility.

Removes Removes 40-50% of 40-50% of the solidsthe solids

Chunks of debris, sticks, sand, etc… get caught on the bar screens as the sewage enters the plant.

Next, it goes into the grit chambersand, grit and heavy solids

settle to the bottom

Primary Sedimentation Tank

Smaller particles settle;

scrapers collect the solid matter plus scum or grease floating on top of the

tank

85-90% of

pollutants are

removed

The 1st step is AERATION...

Microorganisms and Microorganisms and oxygen are mixed with oxygen are mixed with

the wastewater. Air the wastewater. Air speeds the growth of speeds the growth of

the bacteria which eat the bacteria which eat the waste matter.the waste matter.

Followed by...Followed by...

SECONDARY SECONDARY SEDIMENTAITONSEDIMENTAITON

Solids clump together

(activated sludge) and

settle out for reuse in the

aeration tanks.

Added as a disinfectant

before the wastewater

leaves the plant to kill

disease-causing organisms

We’re not done yet!

•What do you do with all of the ...

•You know…•The ”S” Word•NO!•SLUDGE!

DigestersDigesters• The purpose of sludge

treatment is to destroy the pathogens

• Huge tanks in which the sludge is stored to allow it to continue to decompose (15-30 days)

• Aerobic digestion (treatment) consists of continuously pumping compressed air into a tank

• Anaerobic bacteria present in the waste convert much of the waste materials to carbon dioxide and methane (natural) gas

A source of methane for

powering small power plants

Bury it in approved landfills

Burn it in specially designed plants to prevent air pollution

What if you are not connected to a sewer line?

…then you have a SEPTIC SYSTEM

Leeching Fields

Leeching Fields

Leeching Fields

Do: • Inspect your tank for signs of sludge buildup.•Pump your tank every 2-3 years. •Keep a grease can handy. •Protect your system from vehicles and

encroaching trees and shrubs. • Install water saving devices to conserve water. •Use non-toxic cleaning products such as baking

soda to scrub toilets, or boiling water to help clear clogged drains.

The Dos and Don’ts of Septic Maintenance

Don't:•use a garbage disposal - it adds 50 % more solids to your system.

•pour automotive oil, cooking oil, grease or paint or paint thinner down the drain.

•drive vehicles over the septic system/fields. •plant bushes or trees over the leach field. •use too much water, especially during rainy, wet seasons when the ground is saturated.

•use drain cleaners and other toxic chemical products.

•use chemical or biological septic system cleaners which can plug up leach fields and ruin your system.

The Dos and Don’ts of Septic Maintenance