Wastewater treatment is an important part of modern living. Treatment centers clean out harmful bacteria and clean the water with specialized chemicals that allow us to recycle the water back into our drinking supply. This video breaks down the basics of wastewater treatment.
The wastewater is carried away from homes through plumbing lines connected to the toilets and sinks. The treatment center has multiple tanks that filter the water thoroughly. The goal is to separate the sludge (solid waste) and scum (oils and grease) from effluent (water).
The initial stages of the treatment process include the bar screen and grit tank. Trash and other waste is removed by the bar screen. The wastewater flows slowly through the grit tank to allow soil, pebbles, and other debris to settle at the bottom of the tank.
The settling tank is where the scum and sludge is removed. The wastewater moves on and is treated and aerated many more times before it is sent back into the potable water system. The sludge, scum, and other waste is left in the tanks and cleaned out on a regular basis so the treatment process does not get backed up.
For more information, check out the video in the link above.