Do Water Treatment Plants Use Stormwater Runoff

Water treatment plants are vital in ensuring that people have access to clean and safe drinking water. These facilities are responsible for purifying water sources, such as rivers and lakes, before distributing them to the consumers. However, with the increasing frequency of extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rains and floods, it brings up the question, do water treatment plants use stormwater runoff?

What is Stormwater Runoff?

Stormwater runoff is the water that flows from the land surface after rainfall or snowmelt. It mainly occurs in urban areas, where there is limited soil absorption, and generally, most of it moves to different channels or drainage systems. This water gathers various pollutants such as pesticides, fertilizers, oil, and chemicals as it travels along the way. Sadly, this runoff re-enters natural environments and water sources, leading to unprecedented harm to plants and living organisms.

Do Treatment Plants Use Stormwater Runoff?

Yes, treatment plants use stormwater runoff. The collection, treatment, and discharge of stormwater runoff is often done through the same drainage systems that receive untreated stormwater. However, before water treatment plants handle collected stormwater runoff, it usually goes through several pretreatment processes.

Pre-treatment of Stormwater Runoff

Pre-treatment is the process through which contaminated water is treated to remove most of its pollutant loads before the water reaches the main treatment plant. This process is vital for longer sustainability of the environment, and it helps water treatment plants maintain proper functioning. The two most common pre-treatment methods for stormwater runoff include detention ponds and sedimentation basins.

Detention Ponds

Detention ponds are shallow basins designed to store and release stormwater runoff slowly. They provide substantial storage volume to hold large amounts of water and allow for the settlement of suspended solids before discharging the water to the receiving streams or sewers. The primary function of detention ponds is to reduce flood damage and control the release of untreated water into the natural environment.

Sedimentation Basins

Sedimentation basins are a structure where stormwater runoff is held for an extended period. During this time, sediment particles trapped in the water settle to the bottom of the basin. Additionally, oil, grease, and other pollutants will float to the surface and be skimmed off. Therefore, sedimentation basins are ideal for stormwater drainage systems or water treatment plants whose inflow is highly polluted.

Conclusion

In conclusion, water treatment plants do use stormwater runoff. However, stormwater runoff undergoes pre-treatment processes to reduce the pollutant loads, ensuring cleaner and safer water discharge. Water treatment plants can also utilize these processes to maintain sustainability and ensure proper functioning for a longer time.