- The primary treatment often includes any physical or mechanical methods. This includes using filtration systems to separate large objects from raw sewage, like sticks and objects. During the primary clarifier stage, the water is slowed so gravel and dirt settle to the bottom while fats, oils and grease float to the top. This usually cleans about 50 percent of the contaminants from water.
- The secondary treatment process includes biological and chemical methods. When water flows into aeration basins, microorganisms consume the organic material. The reason dumping chemicals down the drain is dangerous is because it can interfere with the biological treatment method and kill the microorganisms. Chemical treatment methods then clean and disinfect the microorganisms using chlorine in the final stages of treatment.
- Cities have recycling or reclamation plants that take in wastewater. The city of San Diego for example has two plants, the North City Water Reclamation Plant and the South Bay Water Reclamation Plant. These plants when combined can take in up to 45 million gallons of water a day, which is then treated and reused as non-potable, or non-drinking, water.
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Fountains use recycled water.Most recycled water is used for agriculture, landscape, golfing and public purposes. The water can also be used for industrial applications. However, the treatment of water depends on where the water ends up. This means that if people are more likely to come in contact with it, the water must undergo more treatment than if it were to end up in an oil refinery. - Recycled water benefits the environment in several ways. First, it cuts down on the water needed from streams, lakes, rivers and other water resources. This helps keep their ecosystem and habitat in place. Also, when recycled water is put back into the environment, it is safe and free of pollutants. Sometimes when streams or wetlands suffer from water diversion through natural causes, recycled water can help sustain the environment.
