Even though around 70% of the earth's surface is covered with water, only around 3% of that is potable; water is a very scarce resource that must be preserved - that is why sewage treatment plants have gained significance. The main function of these plants is to facilitate recycling of water by treating sewage water, removing impurities and making it possible to reuse the water appropriately.

Steps Involved In Treating Sewage Water:

Sewage treatment plants decontaminate water using the following procedure:

• The heavy (solids) and the light (liquids such as chemicals, grease and oil) impurities are separated. The solids are kept at the bottom while the liquids are sent to the top. The remaining water is removed from these pollutants.

• There is a treatment for removing micro-organisms and also removing biological waste with chemicals.

• The last stage involves using disinfectants to further treat the water. Chemicals may be used again at this stage.

Usage of Sewage Treated Water:

Once the water has been separated from its impurities, it can be released into the environment so the recycling continues: -

• With the paucity of drinking water, it is no longer feasible to use fresh water to keep greenery alive. At the same time, you cannot let your plants die. So large apartment complexes use this recycled water for gardening purposes - plants are watered using treated water. In many densely populated areas where water is a premium resource, this is the only way to maintain the landscape.

• Farms utilise this water for agricultural purposes. Since crops and vegetables are grown here, it is essential that the water is treated thoroughly and effectively.

• The water may also be released into water bodies like rivers and lakes to help preserve them for posterity.

• The treated water may be sent for flushing in the restrooms as well.

The principal goal is to send the water back to the ground so the water tables can be reinstated especially in places where rain water is not reliable.

Precautions to Take With Sewage Treatment Plants:

Treatment plants are great friends of the environment, and most cities have regulations stating the absolute necessity of these plants in your apartment complexes, restaurants and other community areas housing large gatherings of people. But the plant must be checked regularly to ensure that it is performing to standards. Otherwise, your house and garden can smell foul, trees can die and the essence of the objective could be defeated.

This process can be complex as all the plumbing lines must be well-connected without any mix-ups so there are no accidents regarding where the water is released. But once in place and maintained well, you will enjoy the benefits of continuous and clean water for years to come.

Technology is certainly a boon when it can conserve non-renewable and scarce resources. Sewage treatment plants are definitely a step in the right direction towards keeping your neighbourhood green and clean. After all, man owes it to nature to return what he has borrowed!

Watling Hope is a company that provide sewage water treatment services across the UK. They also sell products such as grease traps, interceptors, sewage treatment plants and pumping stations to independent houses and several businesses.