The Importance of Wastewater Treatment as Austin Continues to Grow

As Austin, Texas, experiences rapid population growth, the importance of wastewater treatment becomes more apparent than ever. Austin Water, an organization committed to maintaining a healthy community and pristine environment through proper wastewater management, is making significant strides to ensure the success of this vital public service.

How Wastewater Treatment Works

Wastewater is the used water that goes down the drain from activities such as washing dishes, doing laundry, or flushing toilets. This water must be cleaned before it can return to the Colorado River system, kickstarting the water cycle anew.

The wastewater treatment process involves separating solids from the water in order to ensure the cleanest possible discharge into streams. This begins with screening out solids, removing smaller grit material, and clarifying cloudy water to settle out inorganic matter. The solids are then treated in aeration basins with bacteria, while the water is filtered, disinfected, and dechlorinated before being released back into the Colorado River.

As a precautionary measure, Austin Water ensures that the treated wastewater meets the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards to prevent any harm to the environment.

Benefits of Wastewater Treatment

Treated wastewater is often cleaner than the receiving water bodies, making this increasingly important in a growing city like Austin. This not only helps sustain aquatic ecosystems but also provides a reliable water source for communities downstream of Austin.

According to Ayman Benyamin, Assistant Director of Operations at Austin Water, “By treating wastewater to the highest quality possible, we’re providing a safe drinking water supply for those communities.” Furthermore, this process also helps prevent the spread of pathogens and keeps local bodies of water safe for recreational use.

Community Participation in Wastewater Management

Residents play a crucial role in maintaining the city’s wastewater system. Simple actions, like disposing of grease, oils, and so-called ‘flushable’ wipes in the trash rather than down the drain, can prevent blockages and overflows. These measures help make the system more efficient, often saving money for the customer in the long run.

The GoPurple Initiative

Demonstrating another way in which the community can contribute, Austin Water’s GoPurple initiative encourages the use of reclaimed water from wastewater. A move that helps reduce the demand for drinking water for uses that don’t require that level of treatment. High-usage facilities, such as power plants, golf courses, and tall buildings, use this treated wastewater for purposes like landscape watering and toilet flushing.

Looking Towards the Future

With Austin’s population growth, expanding the city’s wastewater treatment infrastructure is critical. The Walnut Creek Treatment Plant expansion project aims to accommodate Austin’s growing population by increasing capacity while meeting new treatment technology requirements set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

To find out more about wastewater treatment and how you can contribute, you are encouraged to visit the Austin Water’s website.