Wastewater Treatment

Waste water is collected in a sewer system (a series of underground pipes that carry water to facility) Waste water is collected in a sewer system (a series of underground pipes that carry water to facility) Blackwater – water containing feces and urine Blackwater – water containing feces and urine Greywater – water from bathing, washing machines and sinks Greywater – water from bathing, washing machines and sinks Stormwater runoff – from roads, roofs and other areas Stormwater runoff – from roads, roofs and other areas

Steps of Treatment at the Facility 1. Preliminary Treatment – water passes through a screen 1. Preliminary Treatment – water passes through a screen 2. Primary Treatment – settling tank – solids settle to the bottom 2. Primary Treatment – settling tank – solids settle to the bottom 3. Secondary Treatment – Biological treatment to remove organic matter 3. Secondary Treatment – Biological treatment to remove organic matter 4. Final Treatment – Chlorine added and water released into Lake Ontario 4. Final Treatment – Chlorine added and water released into Lake Ontario

Treatment of Solids 5. Solids Processing – bulk sent to the “digester”; micro-organisms use organic material in the solids as food and convert to methane gas 5. Solids Processing – bulk sent to the “digester”; micro-organisms use organic material in the solids as food and convert to methane gas Gas used for electricity or heating the plant Gas used for electricity or heating the plant After 15 days, solids remaining sent to landfill or incinerator After 15 days, solids remaining sent to landfill or incinerator

Septic Systems (Rural Areas) Solids trapped in septic tank where bacteria slowly digest wastes Solids trapped in septic tank where bacteria slowly digest wastes Liquid flows to the drainage bed and gradually soaks into ground Liquid flows to the drainage bed and gradually soaks into ground

Questions Explain in your own words how greywater is different from blackwater Explain in your own words how greywater is different from blackwater List 2 sources of wastewater List 2 sources of wastewater What is the purpose of the primary stage of sewage treatment? What is the purpose of the primary stage of sewage treatment? Explain the difference between a septic system and a sewage system Explain the difference between a septic system and a sewage system