Municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) process approximately 34 billion gallons of wastewater daily, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from homes, businesses, and various other industries, ensuring pollutants are removed before the water is discharged into rivers, lakes, or reused into the main water supply. Clean drinking water, for example, is critical to public health, and water purification is essential for the ecosystem to thrive.
Sources of Wastewater
Wastewater treatment plants manage three primary sources of wastewater: domestic wastewater, stormwater, and industrial wastewater. Domestic wastewater originates from homes and businesses and includes water from sinks, toilets, and kitchens. Stormwater consists of rainwater and melted snow runoff from streets, rooftops, and landscapes, often carrying debris and contaminants. Industrial wastewater, the most heavily polluted type, comes from manufacturing plants, power plants, and chemical facilities, requiring more intensive water treatment processing.
Risks of Untreated Wastewater
Untreated wastewater poses a significant threat to both public health and the environment. Without treatment, contaminants in wastewater can deplete oxygen levels in bodies of water, harming aquatic life. In addition, toxins and pathogens may compromise human health, while soil, water, and air can become severely contaminated. A well-documented example of wastewater contamination is the Flint, Michigan Water Crisis. In 2014, Flint, Michigan’s drinking water source, was changed from Lake Huron to Flint River without the necessary corrosion control treatment in place. As a result, contaminated wastewater leaked into the water supply, exposing residents to elevated levels of lead. This caused severe long-term public health issues and concerns, including an increase in developmental disorders, learning disabilities, and further neurological damage to the local population.
The Wastewater Treatment Process
Wastewater treatment process involves multiple stages to ensure safe water discharge. During the treatment phases, large debris such as leaves, plastic bags, and litter are separated, in addition, lighter materials like grease, which float to the surface, are filtered out and heavier solids that settle at the bottom are removed. The organic sludge generated throughout this process undergoes anaerobic digestion, producing biogas that can be converted into renewable natural gas (RNG) for heat and electricity.
Stark Tech Supports WWTPs in RNG Production
At Stark Tech, we specialize in designing and delivering comprehensive gas upgrading solutions tailored to wastewater treatment plants. Our services include in-house engineering, design, and drafting, as well as custom compression skid fabrication. We provide continuous monitoring and support to ensure gas purification meets pipeline-quality RNG standards. With expertise in biogas upgrading and compression technology, we help WWTPs turn sludge into valuable renewable energy while reducing emissions and enhancing operational efficiency. Learn more about our RNG and compression solutions here.
