Climate-stressed regions in general are in need of wastewater systems that need to be created to keep their specific climates in mind. When we talk about climate-stressed regions, we are talking about areas that experience extreme heat, drought, flooding, or severe weather. Wastewater infrastructure is especially important because they are vulnerable in these climate-stressed areas. Lakeside Equipment Corporation is an innovator in the wastewater systems industry, and we have decades of experience, especially in working in interesting climates such as Florida, where the climate is extremely hot and humid.
Understanding the Challenges of Climate-Stressed Regions
Many specific climate situations can make for a climate-stressed region. Overall, these climates typically have different challenges, especially when it comes to wastewater systems, than you’d normally see in other regions that don’t have intense climates. When looking at climates that are stressed, we often see:
- Extreme heat or heat waves
- Drought or water scarcity
- Flooding
- Wildfires
- Extreme humidity
With this in mind, many additional issues can arise simply due to these intense climates. Challenges within the climate can cause significant problems for agriculture, the people living in the region, health, safety, and wastewater systems. Here’s a look at some of the challenges experienced by those who live in climate-stressed areas:
- Water Scarcity and Quality: One of the biggest issues that can arise is water scarcity and quality due to the increase in heat, which can result in droughts, or an increase in storms and runoff, which can taint the water supply.
- Agricultural Impacts: With drought, or even wastewater runoff, or extreme heat, which can deplete crops, there is an agricultural impact that can affect many of the food sources in an area.
- Natural Disasters or Weather Events: Wildfires, flooding, and heatwaves are all weather events that could cause a lot of damage to infrastructure, water supply, housing, and people who live in areas where these events are common.
Why You Need Flexible and Scalable System Designs
When it comes to wastewater systems and climate-stressed areas, it is crucial to have a flexible and scalable system in place that can handle these changes. Your system should be able to keep up with changes in the water quality and volume in weather events, which is often seen in climate-stressed areas such as Florida. This is where modular systems come into play, as they are systems that can expand or scale down as needed. At Lakeside Equipment, we have modular packages that are created to have custom-engineered flexibility so no matter what climate you’re in or what is going on, your wastewater systems are handled with sufficiency. It’s the perfect solution for climate-stressed or fast-growing communities.
The Need for Energy Efficiency and Optimization
With hotter climates and more intense climate regions, there is a need for energy efficiency and optimization, as the wastewater systems will require more energy to keep up with these strenuous conditions. Low-energy pumps or fine bubble diffusers are examples of the type of components that should be implemented to keep up with the energy efficiency for these wastewater systems.
Flood Resistant and Stormwater Infrastructure
Systems need to be designed in order to be able to handle heavy rainfall, runoff, and surges. There’s also a need for corrosion-resistant materials and above-ground access points in order to keep the system accessible and available during heavy rainfall, flooding, or stormwater. Overflow routing strategies, detention tanks, and lift stations are all components that should be considered when implementing a wastewater system that can withstand flooding and heavy stormwater in areas that are prone to these weather events.
Filtration and Disinfection
In areas where there is an increase in weather events and natural disasters, there is a need for more filtration and disinfection components that allow the system to filter out any potential pollution that these events could bring. This is important for keeping water clean and safe for many uses, even if there is runoff, increased stormwater, flooding, or extra pollution brought on by these events.
Automation and Smart Management
It’s even more crucial for climate-stressed regions to have automation and smart management technology within their systems. This ensures that no matter what kind of conditions or disasters are going on, someone is able to control the system and utilize all of the functions. Some of the smart features that might be beneficial for these areas are sensors for flow or chemical levels and the ability for real-time adjustments. Predictive maintenance is an important part of these systems as well, because without it, there is a need for someone to constantly check and monitor the potential problems. Where the climate is so intense and natural disasters can be present, this can be more difficult.
Building Resilient Wastewater Systems for Challenging Climates
There is a need for wastewater systems to be in full force and heavily integrated in areas in challenging climates. Like Florida and other areas with intense weather, wastewater systems have a huge need to be as smart and efficient as possible. We’ve gone over the intense climates and challenges that these areas face, but what’s most important to understand is the needs behind wastewater systems and why this is important in these areas.
At Lakeside, we truly understand that natural disasters or weather events are a huge need for wastewater systems that are truly meant for those areas. We offer these systems for climate-stressed regions that help to keep wastewater under control, no matter what the region is experiencing. Heat wave, flooding, humidity, or anything in between, we’ve got you covered at Lakeside Equipment. If you’re interested in a wastewater system that’s efficient, smart, and keeps up with even the worst conditions, contact us so we can get you in for a consult and see what system works best for your needs.
