Main Menu

Wastewater Treatment

Wastewater is the water supply of a community after it has been soiled by use. It may contain human and household wastes, industrial wastes as well as groundwater and, in many cases, stormwater runoff. Before it can be safely returned to the environment, the wastewater must be treated. The treatment process can range from relatively simple to very complex. The specific process used for treatment will vary with the source and volume of wastewater to be treated. For most communities, a system similar to the diagram below provides treatment to remove solids, materials that will consume oxygen and organisms that could potentially cause disease if released to the environment.

1. Preliminary Treatment — Removes debris which could damage plant equipment
2. Primary Treatment — Removes 90 - 95% of the settleable solids.
3. Secondary Treatment — Removes organic matter through biological oxidation and settling.
4. Advanced Treatment — Removes solids, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other pollutants such as color and metals.
5. Disinfection — Removes organisms which might cause disease.
6. Solids Handling — Treats the solids removed from the wastewater to allow safe and economical disposal.

Wastewater Operator Training and Assistance Program

Virginia recognizes that a competent, well trained staff to operate wastewater treatment facilities is a critical component in its efforts to protect Virginia´s waters and improve the environment. It also recognizes that without a continuing supply of well trained professionals, the maximum benefit from the public and private investments in treatment facilities will not be achieved. In recognition of this need, DEQ has maintained an operator training and assistance program, since 1973.

Mission:

The Operator Training and Assistance program located in the Department´s Water Division provides training and assistance to Virginia´s localities, industries, businesses, schools and others to ensure wastewater treatment facilities are operated efficiently by competent personnel to achieve compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

Functions:

The Operator Training and Assistance program strives to achieve its mission by:

Information Clearinghouse:

In addition to providing direct assistance, the Operator Training and Assistance Program would like to implement a web based clearinghouse of information that may:

The success of this effort depends on the support of facility managers and operators who contribute information to the site. If you operate a wastewater treatment facility and would like to share your experiences, please contact the Operator Training program staff.