Constant upkeep on water and wastewater infrastructure continues to be a challenge as there are many older systems that are deteriorating and becoming out of date. To address these repair issues, engineers and technicians must adopt new technologies that offer more economical installation, higher durability and reduced total life-cycle costs. Thankfully technology has improved water and wastewater treatment systems over the last 50 years.

Why You Should Replace Your Water and Wastewater Systems

Old water and wastewater systems can fail and create an ecological disaster. In fact, industrial companies and municipalities that fail to properly treat water and wastewater can potentially harm both the environment and make people sick. If your company or government body is caught improperly treating wastewater can cause you to be fined thousands if not millions of dollars, have lawsuits filed against you or your company and in extreme cases, people can be sentenced to jail time.

But How Do You Choose the Best Wastewater Treatment System For Your Plant?

There are many factors you will need to consider when choosing a wastewater treatment system. Two of the main ones are:

• What are the characterizations of the production facility?
• What are the governmental regulatory requirements for discharge from the plant?

What Are The Regulatory Requirements For Discharge From The Plant?

This is one of the most important aspects to consider when looking at treatment systems. Different municipalities have different bylaws when it comes to wastewater treatment and should be taken into consideration.

How Does Your Facility Waste Determine Your Ideal Wastewater Treatment System?

Obviously one big factor that determines what system to use is the quality of the equipment used in the system. But quality does further than the type of parts or metal used.

Here are some important questions to address:

• Does the system process food that leaves the wastewater heavy in organic materials or other by-products such as oil and grease?
• Does the facility’s process include the manufacturing of metals that contaminates the wastewater with metals such as zinc, copper iron, lead, and nickel?
• Are there high levels of inorganic contaminants that need to be removed?

Releasing Wastewater into The Environment

If your facility plans on using a water or wastewater treatment system, you need to abide by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.

Discharging Wastewater into The Local Municipality

You should look at your local municipal regulations to determine the correct way to set up a wastewater system.

Water Treatment Piping Options

Much of a wastewater system is made up of pipes and therefore are very important. Carbon steel and stainless steel have traditionally been the best materials for water and wastewater applications because of their durability and strength.

Outdoor Weathering in Water Treatment Systems

Since a large amount of wastewater and water treatment systems are installed outdoors, the effect of weather elements like snow, wind and sunlight on the material must be taken into account.