How sewage treatment plants help the environment
Sewage treatment plants are one of the most efficient ways to dispose of household waste.
They break down waste so effectively that purified water from the system can be discharged directly into nearby streams or ditches without causing any harm to wildlife.
In fact, we’ll go as far as saying sewage treatment plants don’t just prevent pollution; they directly help the environment too.
Let’s examine that claim in further detail.
How does a sewage treatment plant work?
To understand how sewage treatment plants can help the environment, it’s important to know how they work.
They are often installed in rural areas away from the main sewers, or in an area of environmental concern where only clean water can be discharged (homes located next to a water source, for example).
They break down waste by artificially circulating air using an electric motor.
That air creates the ideal conditions for bacteria to break down harmful chemicals in the waste, thereby purifying it and creating a clean liquid discharge.
But how do sewage treatment plants help the environment?
Below, we list the most important benefits:
Lower levels of pollution
Sewage treatment plants are designed to produce wastewater that’s pure, and free from harmful chemicals or toxins.
That means the wastewater, once broken down and made safe by the sewage treatment process, can be released into streams, water sources, or areas of the neighbouring environment without any fear of harm.
Using a sewage treatment plants lowers the overall level of pollution at a time when sustainability and green practices are top of the political agenda.
Less harmful to wildlife
One of the most important benefits of having a sewage treatment plant is the positive effect it can have on local wildlife.
Traditional sewage systems do not break down waste as effectively as a sewage treatment plant.
Discharge from the latter doesn’t contain harmful toxins, and so it won’t damage the surrounding ecosystem.
With cleaner surroundings and waterways, you might quickly discover that more wildlife is attracted to the area.
Reduced water loss
With water sources across the world becoming scarcer, a major benefit of sewage treatment plants is the fact they release water back into the local environment.
Wastewater created by a sewage treatment plant is specifically intended to be safe and free from pollutants so it can be safely discharged.
So, as well as lowering pollution levels, the water helps replenish local sources – water is essentially being recycled and reused.
A potential source of greener energy
Interestingly, scientists are finding new ways to make better use of the waste created by sewage treatment plants.
Their function is to separate solids and liquids, then release a clean version of the latter.
Unfortunately, not all of the former can be successfully converted to wastewater, and sludge will build up over time at the bottom of a plant.
If it is not disposed of it could build up and cause blockages, so plants are usually emptied at least once a year.
It could be converted into a type of fuel.
This green, bio-energy would result in even fewer waste products and an even more sustainable system.
Fewer odours
One of the major benefits for a local environment (for example, in your garden or home) is a properly functioning and efficient sewage treatment plant won’t give off any odours.
The wastewater that’s discharged should be almost pure, meaning there shouldn’t be any nasty smells.
Compared to a traditional sewer system, there is less odour pollution and fewer bad smells hanging around.
Conversely, if you do notice an odour coming from your sewage treatment plant, it’s a sign there’s something wrong with the system.
It could be a blockage, or breakage, and you’re advised to call in a repair team.
Regular servicing is important
To function efficiently and to be able to properly break down waste and harmful chemicals, sewage treatment plants need regular servicing.
While predominantly self-contained, they should be emptied once a year to remove any build-up of sludge.
A regular service will ensure yours is not only disposing of your household waste, but that it’s doing so in a safe and environment-friendly manner.
Contact OMDI Today for Your Free Quote
At OMDI, we have years of experience installing, servicing and repairing sewage treatment plants, as well as a wide range of other wastewater disposal systems such as septic tanks.
Our expert team is on hand to help you design and install an environment-friendly sewage treatment plant for your home or commercial property.
Our professionals can advise which is the system that best suits your needs, and answer any queries you might have about how a sewage treatment plant helps the environment. Contact OMDI today and arrange a free, no-obligation quote.
