The Fear and Facts Surrounding Wastewater Treatment

People around the world express concerns related to wastewater treatment, but let's discuss the facts.

• By Jane Marsh
• Oct 19, 2023

People around the world express a range of concerns related to wastewater treatment. Among the most pressing worries is the health risk associated with the potential spread of diseases or pathogens from inadequately treated wastewater. Let’s discuss more about what people are concerned about and discover the facts.

What Consumers Fear

Some people get anxious about the environmental impact of improperly treated wastewater. Discharge not treated to a high standard can introduce excessive nutrients to aquatic ecosystems. This can lead to algal blooms, resulting in lifeless zones within bodies of water. Additionally, traditional treatment methods might not eliminate modern contaminants such as pharmaceutical drugs, personal care products and heavy metals, posing another environmental concern.

The operational aspects of wastewater treatment plants also contribute to public unease. For instance, these facilities can sometimes emit offensive odors, much to the displeasure of those living nearby. Beyond this, the infrastructure and equipment of older treatment plants might not be on par with contemporary standards, which raises the risk of potential spills or insufficient treatment.

Economic and logistical issues further complicate the landscape of wastewater treatment concerns. Constructing, updating and sustaining these facilities demands a hefty financial outlay, leading citizens to worry about how these costs might impact them as taxpayers or utility customers. Furthermore, as cities grow and need to accommodate larger populations, the requirement for more expansive wastewater treatment facilities poses challenges related to land use, potentially infringing upon valued green spaces or conflicting with other development needs.

Repurposing wastewater for drinking is hard for many to stomach, even with assurances of its safety after advanced treatments. Meanwhile, these processes demand substantial energy, raising questions about their carbon footprint and the broader implications for climate change.

The end product, sludge or biosolids present their own issues, especially concerning treatment, disposal and potential environmental or health repercussions. It becomes clear that educating the public about the nuances of wastewater treatment and its advancements is essential. With proper governance, rigorous regulations and engaged communities, navigating these concerns and making wastewater treatment practices more universally accepted is possible.

Wastewater Treatment Facts

When properly managed and treated, wastewater poses minimal risks to humans and the environment. Modern wastewater treatment plants use advanced physical, chemical and biological processes. These technologies — like reverse osmosis, advanced oxidation and membrane bioreactors — ensure effective removal of contaminants, including pathogens and heavy metals. Furthermore, rigorous regulations and consistent monitoring guarantee treated wastewater meets or surpasses established standards. As a result, this wastewater can often be of even higher quality than some natural water sources.

In regions facing water scarcity, utilizing treated wastewater for irrigation can significantly reduce freshwater demand and aid in replenishing groundwater. From an economic perspective, industries and landscaping can use treated wastewater as a more affordable alternative to freshwater, promoting sustainability and cost savings. Agriculture benefits a lot from wastewater, as the treatment process extracts nitrogen, a vital component in fertilizers.

Agencies regularly open their doors for public tours and education campaigns, demystifying the processes and addressing concerns. By fostering an informed community, these enterprises can dispel many misconceptions and fears surrounding treated wastewater, allowing society to harness its benefits more confidently.

Modern Wastewater Treatment Around the World

With limited natural freshwater sources, Singapore has long sought ways to achieve water self-sufficiency. One of their key strategies is water recycling using advanced membrane technologies. The NEWater process treats wastewater using dual-membrane microfiltration and ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis and ultraviolet technologies. This treated water exceeds World Health Organization drinking water standards. Today, NEWater meets around 40 percent of Singapore's water needs and the government plans to increase this to 55 percent by 2060.

With its growing population and frequent droughts, Orange County, California, needed a sustainable water source. The Orange County Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) — a joint project between the Orange County Water District and the Orange County Sanitation District — uses microfiltration, reverse osmosis and UV light with hydrogen peroxide to purify treated wastewater. Producing up to 100 million gallons of purified water daily, the GWRS increases Orange County's groundwater supply, acting as a primary defense against drought.

In response to declining rainfall and reservoir levels, Perth in Western Australia sought advanced water treatment solutions. It established the Beenyup Advanced Water Recycling Plant, which uses chemical dosing, microfiltration, reverse osmosis and ultraviolet disinfection to treat wastewater. This treated water is then recharged into groundwater supplies. The plant provides a climate-independent water source, which is critical to the city's long-term water supply strategy.

Since the 1960s, the Goreangab Reclamation Plant in Namibia has been treating wastewater to achieve drinking water standards using a combination of processes, including activated sludge, maturation ponds, carbon filtration, ozonation and chlorination. The plant ensures a consistent water supply for the city's inhabitants, demonstrating that direct potable reuse can be safe and crucial for arid regions.

Embracing Wastewater for Sustainability

Wastewater treatment can be a powerful tool for environmental protection, public health and resource conservation. Utilizing the latest science and technology, facilities transform hazardous waste into reusable water, diminishing the ecological impact of groundwater extraction. While misinformation might generate apprehension in some, it's worth noting rigorous standards, regulations and innovative technologies ensure the safety and efficacy of the treatment methods in place.

The planet's health closely correlates with the quality of its water resources. Instead of harboring reservations, society must recognize wastewater treatment as essential for preserving the world's ecosystems and fostering a sustainable future.