Individual household wastewater treatment systems rely on septic tanks to process waste.
Here`s how they work:
1. Heavy waste matter settles to the bottom of the tank.
2. Floatables like fats, oils, grease, and hair rise to the top, forming a scum layer.
3. The liquid in the middle is directed to a drain field, where soil naturally filters the waste before it reaches groundwater.
However, not all materials break down easily:
- Toilet paper degrades quickly, but other materials like wipes, sanitary products, and trash can persist and cause problems.
- Solids other than human waste can strain the system and lead to clogged drain fields and failed systems.
Failed systems can result in costly and time-consuming repairs. To avoid these issues, it`s essential to be mindful of what goes into your septic system and maintain it regularly.
Wastewater Treatment in Urban and Suburban Areas
For most residents in suburban and urban areas, household wastewater flows into municipal treatment facilities. These facilities vary in size and complexity, ranging from:
1. Wastewater lagoons in smaller communities
2. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) or water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) in larger towns and cities
The preliminary treatment phase at these facilities involves:
1. Screening out large debris
2. Grinding up remaining solids
However, this process is not designed to handle non-biodegradable materials like:
- Wipes (baby wipes, cleaning wipes, etc.)
- Gloves
- Similar items
These materials can cause clogs, damage equipment, and disrupt the treatment process. It`s essential to dispose of these items properly and not flush them down drains or toilets to ensure efficient and effective wastewater treatment.
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