Using treated wastewater has a number of both pros and cons. The amount of waste going back into the environment is reduced, which holds benefits for both the health of the environment and the people. Biodegradable materials from the treatment process are turned into fertilizer, and used for the growth of crops (Dakkak, 2015). Funds spent on pollution reduction projects are greatly reduced, and the gas produced during the treatment process helps to generate electricity (Dakkak, 2015). This ultimately eliminates the need for wastewater plants to run on energy sources, such as fossil fuels, and makes them more self-sufficient.
On the downside, if sludge is released into the water then fish and other aqua life become at risk. The bacteria remaining in the water poses health risks for humans as well, such as E. coli (“How Wastewater is Treated” n.d.). The labor and maintenance of treatment plants, while necessary, may also be an extra expense to the population as a result of increased taxes.
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There are five steps in wastewater treatment. The first stage is preliminary treatment in which solids are removed. In the second stage, called primary treatment, microscopic organisms feed on the waste remaining in the water which converts the dissolved solids into suspended solids. In the tertiary (advanced) treatment stage suspended solids and nutrients are removed and filtration methods are utilized. In the final stage, called disinfection, remaining bacteria and viruses are significantly reduced.
Other solutions to alleviate drought is taking fewer showers and limiting water use for unnecessary tasks such as watering lawns and washing cars. According to Jean-Michel Cousteau, a large amount of crops are grown in the drought-stricken state of California requiring an immense amount of freshwater (Cousteau, 2015). Limiting the amount of water used for crop production could prove beneficial to drought crises. Also, recycling and reusing freshwater would help to eliminate waste and the need for large amounts of treated wastewater.
A severe drought plagued the state of Texas and in an effort to combat its effects wastewater began to be treated and then used. The local population reacted with disgust and reluctance, calling the process “toilet-to-tap”(Kofler, 2014). Many opted to spend their dollars on bottled water instead of using the wastewater.
- Cousteau, Jean-Michel. The Many Solutions to California’s Drought. Welcome to Ocean Futures Society. N.p., 28 July 2015. Web. 03 June 2016.
- Dakkak, Amir. Wastewater Treatment Process and Its Benefits. EcoMENA. N.p., 17 Oct. 2015. Web.
- Kofler, Shelley. Drought-Stricken Texas Town Turns To Toilets For Water. NPR. NPR, 06 May 2014. Web. 03 June 2016.
- How Wastewater Is Treated. Macon Water Authority. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 June 2016.
- Water Reuse/Recycling – Water Treatment Systems. Water Reuse/Recycling – Water Treatment Systems. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 June 2016.
