Reclaimed Water Treatment Process
Reclaimed water, or recycled water, is used water that is treated to remove containment so it can meet the needs of drinking water. Reclaimed water can be used for a variety of process. These can include irrigation, fire protection, power generators, and be used as a purified drinking water source. Reclaimed water has many benefits. It costs less than other water resources. It reduces fertilizer use, and reduces strain on drinking water supplies. It is a cost effective and sustainable water supply and reduces pollution disposal into waterways.
Changing wastewater to reclaimed water uses a similar process that water treatments use for tap water. The first step in recycling water is removing large solids from the water. Next the water moves to settling tanks and biological treatment. The first phase of settling tanks allows for the particles in the water to settle/float and be removed. The biological treatment phase allows for the use of microorganisms that remove ammonia through nitrification. The organisms eat the foul particles and convert them into CO₂, which release gases and helps remove harmful chemicals. The water then flows to a secondary settling tank where the particles settle/float and are removed. A tertiary treatment uses sand filters to remove solids once more. Chlorine tanks are then used to disinfect the water and eliminate the human pathogens.