TriCo Talks: Your Guide to Wastewater Wisdom
The modern sewer system is a marvel of engineering and design, providing an essential service that is easy to take for granted. While it may be out of sight and out of mind for most people, it’s important to understand the basic workings of the sanitary sewer system, especially as homeowners. This guide aims to shed light on how a sanitary sewer system works and how it serves your home.
What is a Sanitary Sewer System?
A sanitary sewer system is an underground network of pipes designed to transport wastewater from homes, businesses, and industrial facilities to a treatment plant where the water is treated and safely discharged into the environment. Unlike storm sewers, which handle rainwater runoff, sanitary sewers are specifically engineered to handle human waste and greywater from sinks, showers, and appliances.
Key Components
Lateral Sewer Line
The journey of wastewater starts with the lateral sewer line, which is a pipe running from a home’s plumbing to the main sewer line under the street. Homeowners are generally responsible for maintaining the lateral line up to the point where it connects with the main sewer line.
Main Sewer Line
Main sewer lines are larger pipes that collect wastewater from multiple lateral lines and funnel it towards the wastewater treatment plant. These are maintained by the municipal or regional sewer utility, like TriCo Regional Sewer.
Lift Stations
Sometimes, the wastewater needs a little boost to continue its journey, particularly in areas where gravity alone can’t do the job. Lift stations pump wastewater from lower to higher elevations to keep things flowing smoothly towards the treatment plant.
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Once the wastewater reaches the treatment plant, it undergoes a series of processes to remove solids, bacteria, and pollutants. The treated water is then discharged into rivers or oceans, while the solid waste, often referred to as "sludge," undergoes further treatment or disposal.
How Does it Work?
- Collection: Wastewater from your sinks, toilets, showers, and washing machines flows into the lateral sewer line connected to your home.
- Transport: This water then enters the main sewer line and is carried away by gravity or pumping stations to the wastewater treatment plant.
- Screening and Removal: The first step at the treatment plant involves screening out large items like plastics and grit.
- Primary Treatment: Solids are settled out, and oils and grease are skimmed from the water’s surface.
- Secondary Treatment: Biological processes break down remaining organic material in the water.
- Tertiary Treatment: Further treatment methods, such as chlorination or UV treatment, are applied to kill any remaining bacteria and pathogens.
- Discharge: The treated water is safely discharged into local waterways, and the process begins anew.
Best Practices for Homeowners
- Don't Flush Inappropriate Items: Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed. Items like baby wipes, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products should be disposed of in the trash.
- Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Sink: Grease can solidify and cause blockages in the pipes.
- Regular Inspection: It’s good practice to have your lateral sewer line inspected regularly for leaks or blockages to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Understanding the workings of the sanitary sewer system can help homeowners appreciate the service it provides and contribute to its effective operation. With proper care and responsible use, we can ensure that this marvel of modern engineering continues to serve us well into the future.
For more information on sewer services and maintenance, please visit the TriCo Regional Sewer website or contact us directly.
Thank you for trusting TriCo Regional Sewer for your wastewater needs!
