Introduction

Waste water treatment plants are facilities designed to remove contaminants from wastewater and make it suitable for disposal or reuse. One of the critical factors to consider when establishing a wastewater treatment plant is the location. In this article, we will explore the reasons why waste water treatment plants are located near water.

Water Source

The primary reason why waste water treatment plants are located near water is that they need a source of water to operate. Wastewater itself contains a considerable amount of contaminants, which make it unfit for processing. Therefore, wastewater treatment plants require a reliable source of water to carry out their operations. Most waste water treatment plants utilize the water they treat, so having a nearby source of water is essential.

Disposal of Treated Wastewater

Another reason why waste water treatment plants are located near water is that treated wastewater needs to be disposed of. When wastewater is treated, it goes through various processes that remove contaminants and pollutants, making it safe for disposal into the environment. However, this wastewater still needs to be discharged into a water body. As a result, waste water treatment plants are typically located near water bodies such as rivers or oceans, allowing treated wastewater to flow into the water body and be safely disposed of.

Transportation of Raw Wastewater

Waste water treatment plants also need to utilize a municipal or industrial pipeline network to transport the raw wastewater from the city or industry to the treatment plant. In many cases, these pipeline networks are designed to follow the natural contours of the land, which often means they run alongside water bodies such as rivers and streams. As a result, waste water treatment plants are located close to these pipeline networks making the transportation of raw wastewater more efficient and cost-effective.

Access to Adequate Energy Sources

Waste water treatment plants are massive energy consumers; they require large quantities of electricity to operate the equipment used in the wastewater treatment process. Therefore, location near a steady energy source is essential. Water bodies near the waste water treatment plant serve as a reliable source of hydroelectric power. Most waste water treatment plants utilize wastewater to produce energy to reduce operational costs. Treatment plants that are located near water bodies can harness the power of the water to generate electricity that they can use to power their operations.

Conclusion

Waste water treatment plants are essential in managing the disposal of wastewater and protecting our environment. The location of waste water treatment plants near water bodies is not by coincidence but serves a critical purpose. The proximity to water bodies provides water to dilute wastewater and ensure a safe environment to dispose of treated wastewater. It also provides a transport network for both the raw wastewater and treated wastewater while simultaneously allowing for the harnessing of clean and steady energy sources.