Wastewater
Wastewater is the yucky water that comes out of our homes, schools, and businesses after we use it for cleaning or flushing the toilet. This water contains lots of things that we don't want in our clean drinking water, like dirt, chemicals, soap, food particles, and even germs.
When wastewater goes down the drain, it travels through a network of pipes to a place called a treatment plant. At the treatment plant, the yucky water is cleaned up so that it can be safely released back into the environment.
First, the water goes through a process called screening, which removes big stuff like sticks, leaves, and plastic. Then the water goes through a process called sedimentation, where heavy particles settle to the bottom and are removed.
Next, the water goes through a process called biological treatment, where helpful bacteria and other microorganisms are added to break down and remove any remaining organic matter (like poop and food scraps). The water is then disinfected with chemicals or ultraviolet light to kill any remaining bacteria or viruses.
Finally, the clean, treated water is released back into the environment, usually into a nearby river or ocean. Meanwhile, the leftover sludge (the solid material that was removed) is treated separately and can often be reused as fertilizer or soil conditioner.
In short, wastewater is the gross water we create after using it, but it goes through a process called wastewater treatment to clean it up so that it's safe to release back into the environment.
When wastewater goes down the drain, it travels through a network of pipes to a place called a treatment plant. At the treatment plant, the yucky water is cleaned up so that it can be safely released back into the environment.
First, the water goes through a process called screening, which removes big stuff like sticks, leaves, and plastic. Then the water goes through a process called sedimentation, where heavy particles settle to the bottom and are removed.
Next, the water goes through a process called biological treatment, where helpful bacteria and other microorganisms are added to break down and remove any remaining organic matter (like poop and food scraps). The water is then disinfected with chemicals or ultraviolet light to kill any remaining bacteria or viruses.
Finally, the clean, treated water is released back into the environment, usually into a nearby river or ocean. Meanwhile, the leftover sludge (the solid material that was removed) is treated separately and can often be reused as fertilizer or soil conditioner.
In short, wastewater is the gross water we create after using it, but it goes through a process called wastewater treatment to clean it up so that it's safe to release back into the environment.