The sewage treatment process

Summary

This video script from Unity Water takes viewers on a journey through the urban water cycle, explaining the process of treating sewage to protect health and the environment. It highlights the importance of sanitation, the role of bacteria in breaking down organic matter, and the steps involved in transforming sewage into clean effluent, ready to re-enter the water cycle. The script emphasizes the global sanitation crisis, with 2.5 billion people lacking access to clean toilets, and the significant impact of proper sewage treatment on public health and the environment.

Takeaways

• 🌊 Daily water usage and sewage production are significant, with an average of 162 liters of sewage per person per day.
• 🚽 99% of sewage is water, with the rest being a mix of solids, chemicals, fats, nutrients, and foreign objects.
• 🌍 The water cycle has been altered by human activities, necessitating the urban water cycle to assist nature in treating water.
• 🏠 Unity Water is responsible for the safe removal and treatment of sewage from homes, schools, and workplaces.
• 🌊 The importance of water conservation is highlighted by the fact that no new water is created; it's recycled and treated.
• 🚰 Water is captured in dams, treated, and then made safe for use, following which it's treated again as sewage before re-entering the environment.
• 🌐 Globally, 2.5 billion people lack access to clean, safe toilets, leading to health and environmental issues.
• 🛁 Unity Water treats around 150 million liters of sewage daily, equivalent to 60 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
• 🔬 Sewage treatment is a complex scientific process involving screening, biological treatment with bacteria, and multiple stages of cleaning and disinfection.
• 🚑 Poor sanitation and untreated sewage can have severe health impacts, with diseases causing thousands of child deaths annually in developing countries.
• 🌱 Treated sewage sludge, or biosolids, can be used as fertilizer for crops, demonstrating the circular nature of waste management.
• 🔄 The urban water cycle is a continuous process, with Unity Water ensuring the protection of health and the environment through ongoing water and sewage treatment.

Q & A

What is the average amount of sewage produced by an individual per day?

An individual produces around 162 liters of sewage per day.

What percentage of sewage is made up of dirty water?

99% of sewage is just dirty water, with the rest being made up of solids, chemicals, fats, nutrients, and other items.

What is the significance of the urban water cycle in modern society?

The urban water cycle is crucial because it helps to treat and clean the water we use, which nature alone cannot handle due to the high volume and pollution levels.

How does the lack of access to clean and safe toilets impact global health and the environment?

Lack of access to clean and safe toilets can lead to diseases and environmental degradation, with thousands of children in developing countries dying each year from poor sanitation.

What is the daily sewage treatment capacity of Unity Water?

Unity Water treats around 150 million liters of sewage every day, which is equivalent to 60 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

How does the sewage network function in terms of transporting sewage from homes to treatment plants?

The sewage network is a system of pipes, pumps, and treatment plants that transport raw sewage from homes to the treatment plant for processing.

What is the role of screening in the sewage treatment process?

Screening is used to remove unwanted objects and items that should not be in the sewage, such as toys, false teeth, and even underpads, as well as problematic items like baby wipes and fats.

What is the purpose of bio-reactors in the sewage treatment process?

Bioreactors are used to facilitate the work of friendly bacteria that consume organic matter in the sewage, reducing the levels of carbon, phosphorus, and nitrogen that can impact waterways.

How are the solids separated from the water during sewage treatment?

The solids, known as sludge or biosolids, are separated from the water using clarifiers. These solids are then dried and used to fertilize crops.

What is the final product of the sewage treatment process called, and how is it ensured to be clean?

The final product is called effluent. It is cleaned, filtered, disinfected using ultraviolet rays or chlorine, and tested multiple times to meet strict quality rules.

Why is the continuous work of Unity Water important for the community and environment?

Continuous work is important because it ensures that the water cycle remains clean and safe for use, protecting both public health and the environment from the impacts of untreated sewage.