Water is one of the most important resources on our planet, yet only a small portion of it is freshwater and available for human use. As the population grows, so does the demand for fresh water. As a result, water recycling and reusing have become important solutions for conserving freshwater resources. Here, we’ll answer questions such as “how is wastewater cleaned”, “how is sewage water cleaned”, and “how do sewage treatment plants clean water”, as well as walk you through the process of water recycling and reusing to explain how it can be done both safely and effectively.
What is Wastewater/Sewage?
Wastewater is any water that has been used and contaminated by human or industrial activity. Sewage is a specific type of wastewater that comes from households, commercial establishments, and industries. It contains a variety of contaminants, including human waste, food waste, chemicals, and pollutants, that makes it unsuitable for direct human use.
How is Wastewater Cleaned?
Wastewater goes through a series of treatment processes to remove impurities and contaminants. The first step is screening, where large objects like branches, rags, and plastics are removed. After that, the wastewater is pumped into large settlement tanks where solids like human waste and food waste settle at the bottom, and grease and oils float to the top. These solids are removed and taken to a landfill or incinerated.
The next step is a biological treatment, where microorganisms are used to break down organic matter in the wastewater. The water is then treated with chemicals like chlorine to kill remaining bacteria and viruses.
How is Sewage Water Cleaned?
Sewage water is treated similarly to wastewater, but the treatment process may be more complex due to the presence of industrial waste and chemicals. The first step is to remove large objects and then separate solids from liquids. Next, the water is treated biologically to break down organic matter. The final step is disinfection using chemicals like chlorine — again, to kill any bacteria and viruses that remain.
How do Sewage Treatment Plants Clean Water?
Sewage treatment plants use advanced technology to clean sewage water. They typically use several treatment processes, including physical, chemical, and biological methods. The goal of these processes is to remove solids, organic matter, and other contaminants, leaving the water safe to reuse or discharge back into the environment.
Is Purified Wastewater Safe to Drink?
Yes, purified wastewater can be safely reused for non-potable purposes such as irrigation, industrial use, and toilet flushing. However, additional treatment is required to make it safe for drinking. Water purification systems like UV sterilizers, ozone sterilizers, and reverse osmosis systems can be used to remove any remaining bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. Water treatment facilities will often use one of or multiple options on water to completely sterilize the water and make sure it stays sterile all the way to your home.
Recycling and reusing water can help us conserve freshwater resources and reduce our environmental impact. Wastewater and sewage water can be cleaned and purified to make them safe for non-potable uses, though additional treatment is required to make them safe for drinking. By installing an ultraviolet sterilizer or reverse osmosis system at home, you can further ensure that the water you are drinking and using is completely safe and healthy.
For Clean Water All the Time, Choose Aqua Ultraviolet
If you want to take an extra step to ensure that your drinking water is safe, you can consider investing in drinking water sterilizers for your home. Aqua Ultraviolet offers a variety of UV sterilizers that are effective in eliminating bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants from your drinking water. Browse our UV sterilizers, or contact us today for more information.
