Article by Claudius Jaeger

Wastewater treatment cleans and recycles waste-water so that it can be safely used for other purposes. Wastewater comes from a variety of sources: houses, drains, businesses, industry, agriculture and much more. The proper treatment of wastewater protects the environment and public health.

Untreated sewage is loaded with disease-causing bacteria that are harmful to humans. It can also reduce water quality by contributing too little oxygen or too many nutrients (sewage, fertilizer, etc.) to rivers and oceans. Sewage on average is about 99 percent water, and the remaining 1 percent of the solid and dissolved materials poured or flushed down the drain.

A sewage treatment plant can handle tens of millions of gallons of wastewater per day, although the volume may increase dramatically on rainy days. Using the same natural principles, sewage treatment plants are a modern miracle, and they do a fantastic job of sewage treatment, but you are the first line of defense.

Here are some simple things you do to ensure the water quality and lower cost of treatment:

1. Reduce your water consumption. Water conservation protects the environment and saves money. The less water you use, the less wastewater to be treated.
2. Make sure to keep non-biodegradable materials out of your sewer and waste-water treatment area. Put hair, grease, cotton swabs, feminine hygiene materials in the trash. In addition to non-biodegradable materials blocking the pipes in your home or office, all non-biodegradable materials must be removed at the sewage treatment plant and moved to a landfill.
3. Keep hazardous waste away from the drain! Hazardous waste is any material which can catch fire, explode, corrode, or is considered toxic. Hazardous waste includes petroleum, herbicides, pesticides, solvents, thinners, and prescription medication.

Claudius Jaeger is President of Jaeger Aeration at jaeger-aeration.com.