Pennsylvania relies on three main sources of clean water: the Delaware River, the Susquehanna Basin and the Ohio River Basin. Thanks to these and other local water supply sources, more than 740 million gallons of water are used domestically throughout the state every day. None of this would be possible without Pennsylvania wastewater treatment plants.
Wastewater treatment and management are vital to the stability of state and city infrastructure. To our amazement, wastewater treatment plants are what make it possible for people to live their lives uninterrupted by environmental, public health or sanitation crises. Even though wastewater treatment is so vital to our society, it takes a lot of regulation and labor to be fulfilled properly.
O&M Solutions equips water treatment professionals and wastewater facilities with the management solutions they need to thrive. If you need support at your treatment facility, reach out to us to learn more.
Want to know more about wastewater treatment? Read on to learn about how these crucial treatment plants operate.
Wastewater Treatment Plants in Pennsylvania: How Do They Work?
In the United States, water and wastewater treatment processes are regulated by law. There are laws and regulations at the federal, state and county levels. Because water sanitation and safety are so important to maintaining healthy environments, wastewater must be handled rapidly through exact processes and strict guidelines.
How does the wastewater treatment process work? Although it’s generally the same across America, there are some differences from state to state. Factors such as the local environment, population and economic demand can present risks that call for more rigid state- or local-level requirements.
Here’s how wastewater treatment works in Pennsylvania.
The Sewer System
Wastewater treatment begins with sewer systems, and the sewer system process begins among houses and buildings. Every time someone flushes a toilet or pours something down the drain, pipes deliver the wastewater all to the nearest sewer. The sewer system then processes it and delivers it to the nearest wastewater treatment plant.
After sewage and waste leave the building, it travels via pipes and gravity into a sewer main for preliminary treatment. To prevent debris from clogging or disrupting the system, wastewater then goes through sludge removal and then a grinder pump breaks down large particles. Wastewater then gets pumped to a wastewater treatment and management facility, where it receives a series of treatment processes.
Typically, there are two to three treatment phases for wastewater, depending on the location. Let’s look at these treatments.
How Wastewater is Treated
In Pennsylvania, the wastewater treatment process undergoes four stages from sewer to complete sanitation.
Preliminary sewage treatment (or “screening”). Large objects such as branches, garbage or dead animals are screened in the sewer main and removed by wastewater personnel. This step is crucial to ensure no harmful objects damage the wastewater system.
Primary treatment. Sediment and physical substances settle or float to separate from the water. Solids that settle are called sludge, and solids that float are called scum. Both sludge and scum are removed from the water.
Secondary treatment. Remaining dissolvable organic particles (such as small pieces of food or waste) enter a biological treatment. Bacteria consume any particles, which are then discarded.
Advanced treatment. After the water is about 85% clean, it’s considered potable. The advanced treatment phase is when water gets disinfected before being released into a body of water. Disinfectant methods include UV light, chlorine or ozone.
Water that has been completely treated is then safe to be sent back into a designated river, lake or reservoir without posing any risk to humans.
Laws and Regulations: Pennsylvania Wastewater Treatment Plants
There are several governing organizations and programs that monitor Pennsylvania wastewater plants and water quality. These programs ensure laws and regulations are followed. They also monitor incidents, violations and operations.
The DEP Bureau of Clean Water
The Department of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Clean Water oversees the various state wastewater programs in Pennsylvania. Oversight includes the activities, permits and systems that private and public wastewater plants must uphold. The BCW also releases important data to the public about local wastewater inspections, water facility processes and enforcement information.
Under the BCW, the DEP requires operator certifications for all drinking and wastewater facilities and operators. As the Bureau of Safe Drinking Water site claims, the national Environmental Protection Agency mandates all 50 states to undergo a complete “external review of Operator Certification Program at least once every five years.”
A certified operator is required for:
Public water system facilities
Drinking water system facilities
Nontransient noncommunity water system facilities (schools, businesses, restaurants, etc.)
Private and public wastewater plants
For many water treatment facilities, at least one professional, certified operator must be present at all times to oversee and manage the facility. Operators must have state-required permits, licenses and certifications that are mandated for the size of the facility.
The PA Partnership for Safe Water Treatment Program
The American Water Works Association (AWWA)’s PA Partnership for Safe Water program recognizes Pennsylvania for achieving excellent water quality. Wastewater management is the leading reason why residents continue to enjoy clean, safe drinking water.
Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) of Pennsylvania regulates public and drinking water supplies through the Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act. This covers private wells, springs, public water sources, bottled water and more.
Maintenance, Operation and Management of PA Wastewater Treatment Plants
For public and private sectors in Pennsylvania, wastewater infrastructure is one of the top priorities in ensuring people maintain access to clean water. Without adequate wastewater management, civilians throughout the state would be at risk of losing the very water they need in order to hydrate, bathe and survive.
At O&M Solutions, we provide water operation and management for wastewater plants across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. Whether it be construction and renovation or overall wastewater plant optimization, we offer safe, profitable results to clients looking to outsource their solutions.
To get the repairs, operation management and specialized knowledge your Pennsylvania wastewater facility needs, contact O&M Solutions today.