Responsible wastewater treatment and management can relieve the environment of major impact. Untreated wastewater— which currently accounts for nearly 80% of the world’s wastewater released into natural ecosystems today— causes pollution, temperature change, and other threats to the environment.
In developed countries such as the United States, Singapore, and Germany, wastewater treatment is a public health priority. Not only do wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) encourage the health of surrounding communities, but they also act as a key player in the circular economy.
WWTPs can recycle and reuse many byproducts produced through the treatment process. Water, solids, and even gasses can all be valuable resources that come from— and sometimes, help power— wastewater treatment.
At O&M Solutions, we are dedicated to equipping local wastewater management facilities with environmentally-responsible solutions. Visit our website to learn more.
Environmental Benefits of Wastewater Treatment
Wastewater and sewage treatment exist for environmental purposes. Without first removing particles and treating wastewater, billions of gallons of potentially harmful waste would be filling natural water systems every day.
Wastewater treatment plants work by separating and removing particulates like human waste, food, soaps, chemicals, and oils from water. But where do all these particulates go? Today, many treatment plants are reusing these byproducts to help the environment.
Crop Irrigation
Wastewater that has been treated is an environmentally responsible source of water for crop irrigation, utilizing nutrient-rich, reused water ideal for plants instead of potable water ideal for humans. Every day in the U.S., close to 600 million gallons of recycled wastewater are used for irrigation.
Recreational Water Usage
Recycled wastewater is also being used more and more for recreational water supply. This includes water fountains, theme park rides, ponds used in landscape design, and more.
Replenishing Aquifers
Depleted aquifers, streams, and other natural water systems can be replenished with the use of recycled wastewater. When treated through a two- or three-step process, it can sometimes be viable for freshwater aquatic life, plants, and even humans.
Biosolids from Wastewater
During the wastewater treatment process, biosolids are extracted. Instead of sending these solid waste materials to the landfill, they can be used appropriately. Their use promotes environmental responsibility across the globe.
Many biosolids from wastewater can be used in
Fertilizer
Cement
Land reclamation
Garden mulch
Many organic waste compounds from wastewater, including amino acids and saccharides, can benefit the environment — and the economy.
To learn more about practical wastewater sustainability, read our previous blog: Solutions to Cut Down on Wastewater Environmental Problems.
Economic Benefits of Wastewater Treatment Plants
By reusing wastewater and its byproducts instead of extracting new, valuable resources from the earth, treatment plants and economies save significantly. Here are a few ways that wastewater treatment benefits the economy.
Industrial Operation
Treated wastewater can be reused for industrial purposes, such as rinsing, cooling and boiling in the machinery production process. From the boiler room to ion exchange rinsing systems, even larger, industrial wastewater plants can reuse treated wastewater for operation.
Sustainable Jobs
Wastewater treatment plants are already proactive examples of how economies around the world can reuse wastewater resources to their benefit. Whether it be urban development, reusable energy, land remediation, or pushing for a circular economy, wastewater treatment contributes to many of these initiatives.
In recent years, wastewater management has proven to transform from a cost- and energy-demanding industry to a self-sustainable one. As technology advances and water management becomes more prevalent worldwide, wastewater facilities create jobs, giving back to the economy.
Recycled Energy
Bioproducts and biogas can be converted into crucial energy sources. Both can be used across agriculture and industrial fields, and even create enough sustainable energy to cover the costs of WWTP operations.
Because biosolids collected from wastewater produce gasses such as methane, machines called cogeneration engines use these available gasses as fuel. This fuel converts into thermal and electric energy, powering electrical systems, heating the wastewater plant, and managing overall energy usage.
Community Benefits of Municipal Wastewater Management
With fewer negative environmental and economic impacts, communities benefit from having local wastewater treatment plants.
Public Health
Wastewater treatment prevents diseases and maintains the local quality of life, meeting necessary water, sanitation, and hygiene demands.
The overall public health and safety of a society depend on clean water. WWTPs ensure safer water quality, less toxic waste, controlled aquatic environments, and more sustainable resources across industries.
Climate Change Adaptation
The United States and the rest of the world are becoming increasingly aware of the disastrous effects of climate change. But awareness alone isn’t enough to readily combat the overall issue. Action and adaptation are crucial steps at the state and community levels.
As certain areas throughout the country continue to experience migration and growth, new water solutions are critical to upholding a safe and sanitary environment for so many. Municipal wastewater management centers act as some of the most important components to this future.
Smart Wastewater Interventions and Skilled Management
For wastewater treatment plants to pose less harm and in return offer benefits to the environment, economy, and local communities, several actions need to go into effect.
Plant managers and stakeholders must develop a framework to improve resource efficiency and allocation.
Governments need to realize the value of water and wastewater resource management, and begin advocating for better operation.
Governments, stakeholders and plant managers must work together to establish better business practices and funding opportunities for WWTPs.
Regulations and policies need to be implemented state-wide with further innovations.
While there is still much to do to improve WWTPs for the environment and beyond, the best thing wastewater treatment managers can do is implement better operation strategies that are available now.
Better Wastewater Treatment for the Environment
Wastewater and the environment will always have an inseparable relationship. Since running a WWTP can be costly and complex, changing the process with environmental considerations isn’t always easy. But it’s necessary.
To operate your wastewater treatment facility more responsibly, turn to the experts to streamline a more innovative approach. O&M Solutions, one of the most experienced water management companies in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, knows what it takes to put sustainability first— while improving your bottom line.
Ready to join the circular economy and protect water through wastewater treatment? Reach out to O&M Solutions to get started today.