Where Does It Go?

Summary

In this humorous and educational video, Patrick, a giant piece of poop, takes viewers on a fun journey through the wastewater treatment process at Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD). He explains how waste travels through the sewer system, highlighting the importance of keeping only the 'three P's'—pee, poop, and toilet paper—in the pipes. From grit screens to settling tanks, the waste is treated by organisms that turn it into gas to power the facility. The clean water is then used for irrigation, and the solid waste is turned into fertilizer. Patrick's transformation from waste to alfalfa showcases the fascinating cycle of wastewater management.

Takeaways

• 😀 The wastewater treatment process begins with waste traveling down drains from sinks, showers, and toilets.
• 😀 Only the 'three P's' (pee, poo, and toilet paper) should be flushed down the drain. Items like wipes, diapers, and toys can cause blockages.
• 😀 Wastewater flows into one of four regional water reclamation facilities for treatment and purification.
• 😀 The first step in treatment involves removing large debris using grit and rag removal screens.
• 😀 The wastewater then enters settling tanks where heavy materials sink to the bottom and lighter materials rise to the top.
• 😀 The top and bottom materials are skimmed off during the settling process, separating the clean water from solid waste.
• 😀 Organisms in the wastewater break down the remaining contaminants, turning some of the waste into gas.
• 😀 The gas produced during the breakdown of waste is used to power the engines that pump water through the system.
• 😀 After treatment, the water is disinfected with chlorine to kill bacteria and make it safe for various uses.
• 😀 The treated water is then repurposed for uses like irrigation in farms, parks, and other areas.
• 😀 The leftover solid waste is converted into fertilizer and used on farms, completing the waste-to-resource cycle.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the video?

The main goal of the video is to explain the process of how wastewater is processed and treated in the Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD).

Why is Patrick dressed as a giant piece of poop?

Patrick is dressed as a giant piece of poop to help visually explain the journey of wastewater through the treatment process in a fun and engaging way.

What happens when non-approved items are flushed down the drain?

When non-approved items like wipes, diapers, or toys are flushed down the drain, they can block the sewer, causing potential disruptions and costly repairs.

What are the 'three P's' mentioned in the video?

The 'three P's' are pee, poo, and toilet paper, which are the only items that should be flushed down the toilet or drain to avoid blocking the sewer system.

What is the first step in the wastewater treatment process at the EMWD?

The first step in the wastewater treatment process at EMWD is removing large objects by sending the waste through grit and ragga removing screens.

What happens after wastewater passes through the grit and ragga removing screens?

After the wastewater passes through the screens, it enters settling tanks where heavy materials sink to the bottom and lighter materials float to the top, which are then skimmed away.

What is the role of organisms in the treatment process?

Organisms in the water help break down harmful substances, converting the poop into gas, which is then used to power the engines that pump the water.

How is the gas produced during the treatment process used?

The gas produced during the treatment process is used to power the engines that pump the water, making the system more energy-efficient.

What happens to the treated water after it goes through the treatment process?

After the water is treated and chlorine is added to kill any remaining bacteria, it is used for various purposes such as irrigation for farms and parks.

What is done with the leftover solid waste from the treatment process?

The leftover solid waste is sent to be used as fertilizer on farms, helping recycle nutrients and reduce waste.

How can people help maintain a healthy sewer system according to the video?

People can help maintain a healthy sewer system by ensuring that only the 'three P's'—pee, poo, and toilet paper—are flushed down the toilet, and by learning more about responsible waste disposal through the EMWD website.