How is wastewater treated in the U.S.?
Wastewater treatment facilities in the United States receive wastewater from domestic and industrial sources, sometimes including stormwater runoff. Using a combination of physical, chemical, and biological processes, these facilities treat wastewater to levels that meet stringent federal standards which are designed to protect public health and the biological integrity of receiving waters. Although, the complexity of the processes may vary, there are four basic stages including primary treatment, secondary treatment, tertiary treatment, and disinfection/discharge. Click here for a step-by-step schematic.
