Why don't all water treatment plants have tertiary treatment?

Water treatment plants play a crucial role in ensuring that we have a safe and reliable supply of drinking water. However, not all water treatment plants have tertiary treatment commonly known as advanced treatment. Tertiary treatment is the third stage of the water treatment process, which removes impurities that cannot be eliminated through the primary and secondary treatment processes. In this article, we will explore the reasons why not all water treatment plants have tertiary treatment.

Lack of funding

The lack of funding is one of the main reasons why not all water treatment plants have tertiary treatment. Tertiary treatment systems are expensive to install, maintain, and operate. The cost of a tertiary treatment system varies depending on the size of the plant, the type of technology used, and the quality of the incoming water. Therefore, many water treatment plants do not have the required funds to install and maintain tertiary treatment systems.

Not all water sources require it

Another reason why not all water treatment plants have tertiary treatment is that not all water sources require it. The need for tertiary treatment depends on the quality of the incoming water. If the water source has a low level of contaminants, then primary and secondary treatment processes may be sufficient to produce quality drinking water. Therefore, water treatment plants that have access to high-quality water sources may not require tertiary treatment systems.

Cost-benefit analysis

Water treatment plants must perform a cost-benefit analysis before installing a tertiary treatment system. A cost-benefit analysis considers the costs of installing and maintaining the tertiary treatment system against the benefits of producing better quality drinking water. If the cost of installing and maintaining the tertiary treatment system outweighs the benefits of producing better quality drinking water, then the water treatment plant may not install a tertiary treatment system.

Not mandatory

Finally, tertiary treatment is not mandatory in all regions. The regulations governing water treatment vary depending on the region. Some regions may require tertiary treatment, while others may not. Therefore, water treatment plants that are not required by law to install tertiary treatment systems may choose not to.

In conclusion

While tertiary treatment is an effective way of producing high-quality drinking water, not all water treatment plants have tertiary treatment systems. The lack of funding, the quality of the water source, cost-benefit analysis, and local regulations are some of the factors that influence whether a water treatment plant has a tertiary treatment system or not. Nonetheless, providing quality and safe drinking water should always be a priority. Therefore, it is essential for water treatment plants to assess their options and make informed decisions that prioritize the health and safety of their consumers.