With the increase in scarcity and environmental regulations that are pushing for a more sustainable future, wastewater filtration methods are changing. Wastewater filtration technology is critical to public health, environmental protection, and water reuse, which makes innovation in this sector even more important. Many different innovations are shaping the way that wastewater filtration is done and accomplished and we’re going to go into some of the newest innovations coming soon that will shape the way wastewater filtration is done. 

What is Filtration in Wastewater Treatment? 

Filtration is the most important part of wastewater treatment as it is the step that removes contaminants and pollutants from the water. It is responsible for allowing water reuse, reducing environmental impact, and improving water quality. There are different filtration types and methods, but overall, filtration is the one area that should be improved in order to change the way wastewater treatment is done and how effective it is. 

There are three main types of filtration that is done to wastewater; let’s look at the differences between them to get a better idea of what wastewater filtration entails: 

Physical Filtration 

This is the process of using a physical barrier to filter out solids from the water. Some examples of these filters can be screens, sand filters, and sediment filters. This is the method that works well for removing larger particles from the water that are easily caught by the filter. 

Biological Filtration

Biological filtration takes it a step further than physical filtration by using beneficial microorganisms to break down contaminants. This type of filtration is best for contaminants that cannot be removed by a physical filtration barrier, such as nitrates and ammonia. 

Advanced Filtration 

Advanced filtration is the combination of advanced methods put together that can help to eliminate pollutants that are more difficult to get rid of. Typically, this method of filtration targets dissolved pollutants and microscopic organisms that cannot be filtered out with traditional methods. Some examples of this would be membrane filtration, advanced oxidation processes, and electrodialysis reversal. 

Wastewater Filtration Innovations in 2025

Now that we’ve gone over some of the different filtration methods, you can get an idea of what the current methods and ideas are for filtering wastewater. When we look at 2025 and beyond, there are new methods that we see that are an advanced way of filtering wastewater and could very well become common practice in the next few years. Here’s a look at some of the newer innovations for wastewater filtration and what they entail. 

Next-Generation Membrane Filtering 

Membrane filtering is not a new concept, but there are many advancements being made for this type of filtration that could amp up the effectiveness of membrane filtering. One of the changes we are seeing in this method is precision-engineered membranes with 3D printing and nanofabrication to improve flow. In addition, there are new coatings that are being used on these filters to avoid biofilm and work for self-cleaning. The materials that are used to make these membrane filters are changing as we see materials like graphene oxide being used to increase the durability of the filters. 

Advanced Oxidation Processes

Advanced oxidation processes, or AOPs, are chemicals that treat the water to remove organic and inorganic materials. This chemical reaction takes place due to the AOPs generating highly reactive hydroxyl radicals. One of the biggest chemicals that this process is targeting is PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” which have become mainstream knowledge and are affecting people across the globe due to these chemicals being in a lot of our daily use products, including water. 

Nanotechnology 

Nanotechnology isn’t a new concept, but it’s being pushed ot its limits by being a new way to create precision filtration. It uses nanoparticles to remove contaminants all the way at the molecular level. This is typically used for contaminants like heavy metals, bacteria, and viruses. One of the most notable features of this type of technology is its scalability and customization of, allowing many facilities with different contaminants to utilize it. 

Artificial Intelligence 

It’s no secret that artificial intelligence has become a huge part of technology, and it’s now being integrated with wastewater filtration. AI helps with improving management, filtration processes, and overall efficiency. One of the biggest things it’s helping with is predictive maintenance, which is crucial for lowering downtime and reducing manpower for inspections to keep wastewater treatment facilities up and running consistently. Other areas it helps with are fault detection and real-time optimization, allowing for a hands-off experience. 

Self-Regenerating Biofilters

Biofilters are not new to the wastewater filtration sector, but self-regenerating ones are a huge jump into an area we’ve never seen before. Self-regenerating biofilters work by using a biological process to remove contaminants, and then the filter is cleaned by using backwashing and biodegradation. 

Benefits of Wastewater Filtration Innovations 

There are many benefits to innovations within wastewater filtration and wastewater treatment. Many of these benefits have to do with water reuse and sustainability, but let’s look at some of the expected benefits that are to come when adopting these methods in wastewater treatment facilities, when it comes to filtration. 

• Increase and improve water reuse potential 
• Reduce chemical usage and sludge generation 
• Reduced pollution at a molecular and microscopic level 
• Reduced reliance on manpower and frequency of inspections 
• Lower energy consumption and operational costs 
• Longer equipment life and fewer repairs/replacements 

What’s Next for Wastewater Filtration? 

When we look at the future of wastewater filtration, there is a lot that we can expect to happen. With the advancements in technology, the overall integration of artificial intelligence, and the increased knowledge, there are a lot of improvements we can expect to see in the future. We can expect automation to continue to be prominent in this sector and create more of a hands-off approach, while also increasing the breakthroughs that will happen with bio-inspired filtration. Renewable energy systems are also on the horizon, and we can expect to see them integrated more into wastewater treatment facilities to lower environmental impact and reliance on the power grid. If you’re looking for advanced filtration options or options for implementing some of these futuristic ideas into your treatment facility, contact us at Lakeside Equipment today, and we can set you up with a consultation to see what equipment is best for your needs. 

Environmental sustainability is on the horizon as one of the most important factors when it comes to many businesses. The rising interest and emphasis on this has pushed many industries to follow more strict sustainability measures to cut their own impact and pave the way for a cleaner and greener future. Wastewater treatment has the potential to be sustainable, and it plays a huge role in protecting water resources across the world, but we’re going to dive into whether or not the equipment used for wastewater treatment is truly sustainable. Let’s look more into this and see what exactly is sustainable if you’re a company that’s looking to be as sustainable as possible, including in your wastewater treatment efforts. 

What is Sustainability in Wastewater Treatment? 

Sustainability looks different across industries due to the capabilities of being sustainable and what exactly that entails. In this case, there are multiple avenues that contribute to making wastewater treatment sustainable, and understanding these can help you determine what’s truly sustainable and whether it’s the right choice for you. Here are some of the key aspects that are a part of sustainable wastewater treatment:

Energy Efficiency: This is one of the main areas where sustainability comes into play. Reducing the energy consumption of treatment processes can be done through design, energy recovery from wastewater, and energy from biogas. Wastewater treatment equipment can consume a significant amount of energy, so implementing energy-saving practices can have a substantial impact.

Minimizing Pollution: Pollution is a factor that we see talked about in the industrial area, but water treatment helps to reduce pollutants that are in the water, such as chemicals, pathogens, and excess unneeded nutrients. 

Resources: When it comes to resources, wastewater treatment plays a huge role in being able to reuse water that otherwise would have to be discarded. This also helps to create a circular economy where the wastewater is treated and reused to maximize resource utilization. 

Eco-Friendly Technologies and Innovations 

There are many different technologies these days that help with sustainability, energy efficiency, and innovation when it comes to wastewater treatment. Here are a few of the top technologies that can be used in wastewater treatment to help build a greener and more sustainable life. 

Biogas Recovery with Anaerobic Treatment 

Biogas is a renewable fuel that is composed mostly of methane that can be used to power heating and electricity, cutting energy usage from the grid. Anaerobic processes can also cut cluge production by about 50%, which means that the disposal cost and environmental burden of that can be cut as well. 

Efficient Aeration Systems 

Aeration is an important part of wastewater treatment; however, it can account for over 50% of a plant’s total energy consumption, meaning that there’s a huge opportunity for sustainability efforts here. Equipment like fine-bubble diffusers can help to lower blower run-times, or high-efficiency blowers can adjust airflow based on needs. These equipment changes can help to cut energy consumption and lower operational costs at the same time. 

Membrane Bioreactors

Membrane bioreactors, or MBRs, help to produce clean effluent using a combination of biological treatment and membrane filtration. It has a lower chemical use and helps to produce high-quality reuse water suitable for industrial reuse, irrigation, or potable reuse. 

Smart Monitoring

Smart monitoring is something that we are seeing more of as technology advances and wastewater treatments take on these advancements. IoT sensors help to monitor compliance while detecting issues in real-time. RT Process control allows for automated adjustments to be made to keep energy use at a minimum. Lastly, predictive maintenance forecasts equipment needs to prevent breakdowns and lower downtime. 

What Lakeside Equipment Offers for Sustainability 

At Lakeside Equipment, we have a full lineup of products that can help with wastewater treatment efficiency, and many of them are sustainable. When it comes to our products, we want them to be efficient for you, but also allow you to keep up with your sustainability plan and help contribute to a greener future. We offer a wide range of products, from aerators, special drums, biogas recovery setups, and automation features that can help you in your sustainability efforts. With a wide range of offers, we are able to give you a solution that allows you to cut energy consumption, improve efficiency, and bring on smart monitoring technologies to make manpower less needed. 

Benefits of Sustainable Wastewater Treatment

There are many benefits that come with sustainable wastewater treatment and they’re mostly broken up into three categories including environmental, social, and economic. These benefits are similar to other benefits that come with sustainability efforts in other areas as well, but here’s a look at the benefits that come with having sustainable wastewater treatment. 

Environmental Benefits 

• Reduced energy footprint from the treatment 
• Lower carbon emissions are emitted by the wastewater treatment 
• Improved water quality due to increased efforts 
• Less impact on energy consumption on the grid 

Social Benefits 

• Healthier communities are built when water treatment is effective and nonpolluting
• Enhanced reliability in the practices of the treatment facility 
• Sustainability efforts of wastewater treatment facilities offer a good social reputation in the sustainability sector 

Economic Benefits

• Lower energy consumption, meaning lower operational costs 
• Biogas creation, meaning less reliance on the energy grid power 

Be More Sustainable with Lakeside Equipment

Wastewater treatment is essential, and it is also a huge contributor to emissions from the plants, making it a huge opportunity for sustainability efforts. Overall, there are a lot of different ways sustainability can be achieved with wastewater treatment, and the benefits are prominent. Sustainability is something many industries are trying to achieve, as there is more knowledge around how our planet is being affected by increased emissions, energy usage, and other practices that are not sustainable. 

With Lakeside Equipment, we offer many different equipment options for sustainability within wastewater treatment, and we can help you meet those goals while dropping your operational costs. If you’re looking for wastewater treatment equipment that can help you meet your sustainability goals, then contact us today so we can get you set up with our top-of-the-line equipment that makes for a great impact on the earth, as well as your facility. 

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. 

Innovations in water treatment technology are important because of different factors that are continuing to change, like a growing population or climate change. Another thing that’s changing constantly is technology, which actually plays a huge role in water treatment. With technology, advancements and breakthroughs are continuing for sustainability, efficiency, and reliability across different industries, including the water treatment industry. At Lakeside Equipment, we have a full lineup of equipment that relies on these technological advancements to bring you the best and most innovative water treatment technology around. Let’s look more into the new innovations in water treatment technology for our current time.

Real-Time Monitoring and Smart Water 

Smart Sensors and IoT (Internet of Things)

Sensors and IoT devices allow for data to be transferred through the cloud easily, keeping up with potential maintenance and other information in real-time alerts without the need to be there and inspecting in person. These sensors can be used to monitor different areas, such as pH, temperature, or turbidity. 

SCADA Systems 

SCADA, or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems, are used to provide a centralized control system for water treatment facilities. This allows someone to access all of the information and control the system from anywhere, which provides convenience and efficiency. 

Artificial Intelligence and Predictive Maintenance 

Both predictive maintenance and AI work hand in hand to allow a system to automatically detect if any maintenance is needed by analysing data and sending updates in real time. This prevents the need for having someone on staff all the time to check the machine, plus it allows for problems to be addressed much quicker than it would be by manually checking for these potential problems. 

Filtration Technology Advances 

Membrane Bioreactors or MBRs 

Membrane bioreactors provide ultrafiltration in a smaller form, so that it’s more efficient and space-saving. Ultimately, it’s the combination of ultrafiltration and biological treatment in one system.

Reverse Osmosis

Reverse osmosis is a water purification process that uses a semi-permeable surface to remove contaminants, which include dissolved salts, viruses, and bacteria. The water is forced through the membrane, which leaves behind the contaminants. 

Nanofiltration 

Nanofiltration is similar to reverse osmosis as it uses a semi-permeable membrane that has very fine pores that filter out dissolved substances. Oftentimes, nanofiltration is paired with and used with reverse osmosis in an attempt to filter out contaminants in a more efficient and sufficient way. 

Biological Treatment Processes

Bioaugmentation 

Bioaugmentation is the process of adding special microbial cultures into the water to dissolve specific pollutants and get rid of odors. 

Moving Bed Biofilm Reactors or MBBRs 

MBBRs use biofilm that’s attached to a part of the tank in order to remove pollutants by allowing the bacteria to grow on that area, instead of throughout the water and in the actual tank itself. This also uses a combination of both trickling filters and activated sludge. 

Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge or IFAS 

This combines both biofilm and sludge processes when it comes to water treatment. It uses the activated sludge and biofilm to help eliminate pollutants like bacteria and other microorganisms. 

Water Reuse Systems

Closed Loop Recycling Systems

This process is where the water recirculates into the same area, which helps to avoid water waste while maintaining water quality, preventing issues like corrosion and microbial growth. Closed loop systems are great for industrial use or other uses where there is a lot of wate being used and transferred, so having the closed-loop system will allow for much less water waste than would originally be used. 

Water Reuse

This is the process of treated wastewater being recycled and reused for different things, like cooling towers, industrial processes, and irrigation. This helps to avoid water waste, but it also reduces the demand for freshwater sources. 

Zero Liquid Discharge or ZLD

This process is the process of not allowing any liquids to be removed, and instead, only solids are removed. Ultimately, this is good for those who have strict discharge regulations or for areas that deal with water scarcity. 

Modular Treatment Systems

Modular Systems for Scalability 

These systems, in particular, are used in areas where there is a need for flexibility and scalability. It allows for modules to be added or removed as necessary to keep up with specific demand, without dealing with the costs of changing up the entire system itself. 

Mobile Treatment Plants 

These are treatment plants that are ultimately able to be moved or transported and aren’t stuck in one spot. They’re great for areas in disaster, and they are scalable with the ability to be used as needed. 

Sustainability and Low Energy Systems

Solar-Powered Water Treatment 

Solar panels are becoming a huge part of energy efficiency and power in today’s time, whether on homes, for businesses, or in water treatment. Water treatment facilities are using solar panels to power their sensors, pumps, and full treatment units for smaller water treatment facilities. 

Anaerobic Digestion 

This process is using organic sludge which is broken down by microbes which produces biogas. This can then be used to generate electricity and heat, without the need to use typical energy systems, therefore saving on energy costs. 

What These New Innovations Mean for Water Treatment Systems

When it comes to looking at these innovations in water treatment technology, there is a lot going on. There are many different avenues and different tactics that are being used for wastewater treatment and with the way that technology is advancing every day, we can expect to see a lot more of these advances in water treatment. Choosing the right water treatment system and additions can depend on a lot of different variables like what your treatment system is used for, where you’re located, and what is important to you.

Ultimately, these technology advances for water treatment facilities have made filtration, automation, and energy saving much easier across the board, which can overall help the process of the treatment facility immensely. If you’re looking for a new innovation to incorporate into your wastewater treatment facility, but you aren’t sure what’s best for your needs, contact us at Lakeside Equipment and we can help set you up with the best innovations ot bring your sustainability and efficiency into your facility. 

Water treatment and wastewater treatment can be impacted by seasonal variations such as temperature changes or precipitation patterns. Seasonal variations ultimately can make a huge impact on physical treatment processes, which can push for necessary operational adjustments in wastewater treatment. Let’s look more into the impacts of seasonal variations and how they affect treatment processes. 

What Seasonal Variables Affect Water Treatment Processes? 

There are many seasonal variables that can affect water treatment processes, and knowing and understanding these variables can help understand how the water treatment process should be changed to accommodate them. Here’s a more in-depth look at these variables and how they can affect water treatment specifically. 

Temperature Changes 

Temperature changes, like high temperatures, generally make chemical reactions more prominent, which can impact disinfection processes. Biological treatment processes rely on microorganisms that are sensitive to temperature changes, so warmer temperatures can increase microbial activity and lead to problems like oxygen depletion or damaged equipment. Colder water is more viscous, which can slow down filtration or sedimentation processes if the temperature drops. Overall, temperature is a huge factor when looking at the effects of wastewater treatment. 

Precipitation 

Precipitation, like snow or rainfall, can increase runoff and increase contaminants like pesticides, fertilizers, or sediment into these water sources. Increased rainfall can dilute wastewater, which could result in a need to adjust the treatment processes to accommodate this. Precipitation is a naturally occurring phenomenon, but when it comes to wastewater, it can make for changes in the process. 

Increase of Organic Content 

Falling leaves and other natural contents that are more prominent in the fall can add natural pollutants to the wastewater, which can bring a need for more treatment and removal of the debris. Algal blooms are also a naturally occurring part of summer months, usually, but they can cause odor or taste problems in the water. Organic content is natural, but an increase in this content can make for a more tedious wastewater treatment.

Water Quality Changes 

Higher temperatures can not only affect the water in other ways, but they can also affect the hardness of the water due to it dissolving more minerals. These dissolved minerals can make for adjustments in the treatment process and can ultimately change the tediousness of the process. 

Effects on Wastewater Treatment Processes

Seasonal effects are causing changes in the wastewater treatment processes, which means that there are changes in the way the treatment is done. Here’s a look at the main areas that are usually changed when it comes to seasonal effects affecting the water quality. 

Water Quality Fluctuations 

Water quality fluctuations can make it difficult to keep up with treatment due to the varying quality fluctuations. Storms, snowmelt, or flooding can make for changes in the water quality that need to be assessed and treated. Agal blooms also make for an increased amount of treatment to the water as well, due to the taste, odor, and filtration needing to be changed or even increased. 

Chemical Treatment Adjustments 

Seasonal changes mean that the chemical treatments need to be changed based on the type and amount of chemicals getting into the water. Changes in coagulant and disinfectant dosages will be made by season and also based on the amount of precipitation occurring. Temperature changes in winter or summer months can also result in chemical reactions in the water, making the process of chemical filtration adjust as well. 

Disinfection 

Disinfection is a part of a regular water treatment; however, UV and chlorine disinfection processes can be affected by temperature and even water clarity. Cold water temperatures can also reduce the rate of killing pathogens in water. This could be due to the increase in pathogens, but also the decrease in efficiency due to the water temperature being low. 

Operational Impacts Due to Seasonal Changes 

Seasonal changes affect not only the water treatment process but also the operational systems as well. Machines and structures can take on additional stress due to freezing conditions that affect pipes, valves, and exposed systems. Corrosion can also be a huge effect of temperature fluctuations, from low temperatures to higher temperatures. There is an increased wear for equipment as well during the high flow seasons. Preventative maintenance can also be increased during seasonal stress points to help keep machines in check and allow for a smooth water treatment process. 

How to Adapt Strategies for These Seasonal Variations 

There are many ways to adapt the water treatment process and strategies to accommodate seasonal changes. Many wastewater treatment facilities already have regular changes that they make to accommodate seasonal changes, but here are a few changes that are typically made to accommodate seasonal changes. 

Adjusting operational setpoints like aeration rates or sludge retention time can help with taking on changes in seasonal changes. Seasonal dosing protocols for chemicals also vary by season because of the changes that happen in the water. Enhancements for infrastructure, like insulated and weather-resistant designs, will be implemented during certain seasons. During high storm seasons, there is also a need for extra precautions when it comes to stormwater management systems and overflow controls. 

Final Thoughts on Seasonal Changes in Wastewater Treatment 

Seasonal changes can have a huge effect on wastewater treatment when it comes to changes in temperature or precipitation. These seasonal changes are often anticipated, but there are variations in changes that happen in wastewater due to them, like a difference in chemicals, alga bloom, or other effects that result in a need for more intense treatments. To prepare for these changes, there is a need for proactive designs, adaptive management, and monitoring to ensure the consistent treatment performance all year round. These fluctuations in seasons can cause flow volume, water quality fluctuations, and infrastructure vulnerability. 

With all of this being said, there is a need to keep up with these changes and stay on top of treatment differences in the wastewater. At Lakeside Equipment Corporation, we bring a full variety of systems that you can use for wastewater treatment. We understand the need to have this equipment in order to keep up with seasonal changes and differences in pollution. With our systems, you can easily implement these changes to keep up with seasonal effects on treatment and keep your equipment running smoothly despite the changes. Contact us today to learn more.

Stormwater management is important when looking at wastewater management as a whole. Stormwater runoff is when excess water from snow melting or precipitation flows over land surfaces and piles up, instead of soaking into the ground. Urban runoff is when this same snowmelt or precipitation runs off and piles onto streets and roads. Ultimately, there is an increase in urban runoff due to urbanization and climate change. This pushes the need for preparing stormwater management systems to keep up with this. 

What Causes Urban Stormwater Runoff? 

Urban stormwater runoff is caused by an excess of rainfall or snowmelt that accumulates over areas that prevent it from soaking into the ground. It can typically be found on streets, roads, or filled on top of the ground. As a result of this, the runoff can accumulate bacteria and other pollutants in the water. Urban areas typically have a high concentration of impervious surfaces that hold onto the water. This leads to increased volume of runoff, and if there’s an excess of precipitation or snowmelt, this water can continue to accumulate and hold onto pollution. 

What Are the Impacts of Poor Stormwater Management? 

With poor stormwater management, various issues can arise. Here’s a look at some of the main problems that can come from poor stormwater runoff.

Flooding 

Flooding is one of the most common impacts of poor stormwater management. This is because the runoff from previous storms continues to build up, and if multiple storms or extra rain are coming in, then this will make more stormwater runoff and overwhelm drainage systems. Ultimately, this will result in that runoff having nowhere to go and leading to flooding in businesses, homes, and on roads. 

Water Pollution

Stormwater causes a lot of pollution in the water, including bacteria, natural sediment, nutrients, and toxic substances. There is a possibility that this water could lead to bodies of water and pollute drinking water sources or even negatively affect aquatic life. 

Erosion or Destruction 

With stormwater piling up and flowing through different areas, there is a potential for erosion and other damage to structures that the water comes into contact with. Infrastructure damage and erosion can cause a multitude of other issues for towns and communities that deal with stormwater runoff. 

Public Health Impacts

This stormwater can carry bacteria through many different avenues, meaning that it could also end up in drinking water areas. This could potentially cause illnesses from drinking water or other health effects from swimming or sporting in contaminated bodies of water. 

Economic Costs

Dealing with stormwater runoff and the negative effects that come with this can cause huge hits to the economy in certain areas that deal with this. Between the flooding of homes and businesses, the need for more wastewater management systems in place to combat pollution, and erosion problems, this can make for a huge economic hit on the affected areas. 

What Are the Best Practices for Stormwater Management? 

When it comes to stormwater management, there are ways that it can be helped with best practices. Here are a few of the best practices when it comes to stormwater management. 

Changing Up Infrastructure 

One of the best ways that you can help with stormwater management is to have infrastructure that helps manage the stormwater or that can help avoid the negative effects of stormwater runoff. Rain gardens or green roofs are great to implement for areas that deal with heavy storms and need some stormwater runoff. Permeable pavement can also help with this to avoid excess water piling up on pavement where it would otherwise be a potential for flooding. 

Changes to Improve Water Quality 

Implementing different precautions to help improve water quality in case of stormwater runoff is an important part of keeping communities safe. Silt fences and erosion control buffers can help with erosion and sediment control in the case of stormwater runoff. Control plans and wastewater treatment practices can help ensure that whatever stormwater runoff situations you do run into can be managed and treated within an optimal timeframe. Ensuring that your wastewater treatment systems are in best practice can help you avoid having any long-lasting negative effects on communities. 

How Philadelphia is Setting a Great Example for Stormwater Effects

Philadelphia is one city that has been a great example of maintaining stormwater runoff effects and putting in practices that keep its community safe. Philadelphia has created Green City, Clean Waters, which is a 25-year initiative to reduce the amount of stormwater entering sewers by using green infrastructure and expanding stormwater capacity. The city has seen beneficial effects of this movement within their city, and with it starting in 2011, they are expected to hit their goals by 2036. They are a prime example of making changes and seeing the impact directly in their city of making it a greener and better place to live for their community. 

The Future of Stormwater Runoff in Urban Areas 

With the changes in the climate and other factors, we could see an increase in future stormwater runoff in urban areas. Ultimately, this can cause problems for many areas if they are not prepared or do not have the knowledge in place to deal with this excess runoff. There is an increasing need for partnerships and resilience within communities to be prepared for this, and also to put plans in place to combat it. Wastewater treatment is one particular way, but it’s also important to put in practices like those seen in Philadelphia to make a huge impact on communities that deal with urban stormwater runoff. 

Final Thoughts on Stormwater Runoff and Urban Runoff

Urban stormwater runoff has been a huge problem for many different areas and communities as they’ve dealt with things like flooding, pollution, and erosion in their communities. These effects are damaging to many people and can make economic issues present themselves in the most intense ways. There is a need to put in place practices and preventatives that will help when these things happen. Climate change and an increase in storms or natural disasters can mean that these runoff situations can start happening more frequently. This is even more reason to get communities prepared and to keep the people of those communities safe. Start today by putting in place advanced wastewater treatment practices and setting up other guidelines that help with stormwater runoff in communities. Contact us to learn more.

Operational efficiency in municipal wastewater plants is extremely important when it comes to environmental protection, cost efficiency, and keeping up with water quality and safety. Having efficient wastewater plants means minimizing waste and reducing energy consumption, while also ensuring compliance with regulations. The Duperon FlexRake is an innovative solution that can help maintain operational efficiency in municipal wastewater plants. This is due to its unique design that helps to reduce maintenance and improve handling, which makes it a huge asset to wastewater plants. 

Challenges Faced with Efficient Wastewater Screening

Unique designs like the FlexRake are important to wastewater industries because of the many challenges that are faced in this industry. There are both challenges with the equipment used in general and also with the water, which can make efficient wastewater screening difficult. Here’s a look at some common challenges that are found with wastewater screening: 

Corrosion

Wastewater can be corrosive due to the amount of contaminants in it. It can be so corrosive that even stainless steel can’t uphold its stature against wastewater. This type of corrosion means that there is a need for regular maintenance and inspection to ensure that there is no damage or leakage. 

Debris Accumulation 

Screens for wastewater can be clogged up with a variety of different debris, such as branches, plastic bags, or cans. This can reduce water flow and efficiency of the screening, and it relies on regular inspections and removal of the debris to resume full operational function. 

Equipment Sizing and Maintenance 

This challenge comes with multiple challenges under it, which can cause problems for the screening efficiency of wastewater plants. Under-sizing screens could lead to solids passing through that shouldn’t, while over-sizing can increase costs and energy consumption. Manual cleaning the screens means going in and raking out any trapped debris to avoid clogging and buildup.  

What is the Duperon FlexRake?

The Duperon FlexRake is an innovative solution for wastewater screening that uses a unique design to ensure that wastewater is being screened efficiently and properly. The design is meant to adapt to different flows and debris types, which in turn prevents clogging and makes for continuous operation. 

Important Features of Duperon FlexRake

There are many features of this particular screen that make it crucial for efficiency in wastewater screening. Let’s look at some of the important features that make it different compared to other screens. 

Self-Lubricating Rakes

These types of rakes allow for less manual maintenance to keep things running smoothly, which helps to increase efficiency without having to use more manual labor to achieve that. 

FlexLink Technology 

The FlexRake uses a unique linking system that allows the rakes to flex and move around larger debris. This helps to prevent clogging, jams, and ensures that operations are continuous. 

Designed for Various Debris 

Because of the unique manufacturing of the screen, it is able to handle a variety of debris types from tree limbs to grease to grit. 

Low Maintenance 

The design choices of the Duperon FlexRake minimize the need for excessive maintenance, which can allow you to utilize the screening technology for a longer period of time without intervention. 

Various Models 

Duperon has multiple models that are used for specific applications. Their models include fine screens, coarse screens, and low-flow systems. This also allows the Duperon FlexRake to be used in multiple different areas such as treatment plants, paper mills, stormwater systems, and even prison facilities. 

Benefits of the Duperon FlexRake Screening System 

With the unique features of the Duperon FlexRake in mind, there are many benefits that we can see from using this type of screen over others. These are some of the benefits that you can find when using this type of screening system: 

Debris Removal

Debris removal with the FlexRake is reliable as it can remove a variety of different debris within the wastewater. This helps to maintain operations and consistent performance across the board. 

Reduced Maintenance

The design eliminates the need for components that require frequent maintenance, which is often manual maintenance. This can increase operations and reduce costs, as well as ensure that there is no need for increased manual maintenance.

Adaptability

The customized fit of the screen can allow for the filtration of debris of almost any size. There are many different sizes and flows that allow you to customize the screening for the particular wastewater that you are filtering. 

Real-Life Municipal Areas Using Duperon FlexRake

There are many cities across the United States that are using this particular water waste system and have seen amazing results from it. Here are a few different cities that are using this system and what it has done for them. 

Adrian, Michigan 

In a city in Michigan, they have been using the Duperon systems since 1998, which was actually the very first of their screening systems. This system has allowed them to save money by not having a sprocket system, which often needed to be maintained by a three-person team. In over 20 years, the same exact system sits in the same place and hasn’t had any replacements besides a motor/drive head bearing. Ken Weslet, City of Adrian Superintendent at the time, said, “I love the design of the FlexLink™. It’s a simple piece of equipment that doesn’t need maintenance, doesn’t need a lot of energy, and no fancy controls. It doesn’t get any better… I haven’t had to replace anything.”

 St. Charles Parish, Louisiana 

In Louisiana, a city uses solely FlexRake devices to help with its flood control strategy for its drainage canals and pumping stations. According to Duperon, they purchased the devices that were a custom fit to their existing trash racks. It has helped immensely in keeping the community above water during Hurricane Katrina and Rita, where the city needed the most water control. 

FlexRake’s Efficiency in Municipal Areas

FlexRake has become a huge asset to many communities when it comes to keeping up with efficiency. The unique designs of the system allow for water to be screened without needing many replacements, making it cost-effective and helping keep operations continual. There are many benefits to investing in the Duperon system, and from the case studies mentioned, there is a huge lifespan and need for a system like this in municipalities. 

Lakeside Equipment has provided solutions for water treatment and screening for over 90 year, and the Duperon FlexRake has been a long-loved option. We are here to help you in your endeavors, whether you need a system for industrial use or community use. Get in touch with us to hear more about what we offer and how we can help you.  

Industrial wastewater can contain a variety of different contaminants, including heavy metals, oils, and toxic chemicals. These different contaminants mean that there is a need for specific filtration systems that help with these types of pollutants in industrial applications. Multi-stage wastewater filtration systems are a great way to keep these contaminants in check and ensure that wastewater is free from harmful pollutants. There are many benefits to multi-stage wastewater filtration systems in industrial applications that help to keep up with cost efficiency, environmental compliance rules, and sustainability. 

What is a Multi-Stage Wastewater Filtration System?

A multi-stage wastewater filtration system is very similar to a single-stage filtration system, but it brings together multiple types of filtration into one. These various stages help to eliminate multiple variations of pollutants to achieve water purity at a certain level. This type of filtration system is essential for wastewater, which is complex and needs multiple avenues of filtration to get it fully pure in industrial applications. 

Different Stages of Multi-Stage Wastewater Filtration System

As mentioned, multiple stages go along with this type of filtration system. This could vary based on the type of wastewater and the desired level of purity, but these stages are often the ones that you’ll find when looking into this type of wastewater system. 

Physical Filtration 

This type of filtration is often called sediment filtration, and it’s the part in the process that filters out larger pieces of sand, debris, silt, and rust particles.  The type of filter that’s used during this stage is a larger-pored filter that helps just to catch these larger particles. 

Chemical Filtration

This type of filtration is often called organic contaminant removal or activated carbon filtration. It uses certain materials, such as activated carbon, to absorb chemicals like chlorine and other organic compounds. This helps to improve the taste and odor of the water. 

Membrane Filtration 

Membrane filtration is used to separate microscopic contaminants based on pore size. It uses a much smaller pore filtration system to achieve this. The multiple areas of this filtration system include microfiltration, which removes bacteria, ultrafiltration, which removes microbials and viruses, and nanofiltration, which removes salts and other organic compounds. Reverse osmosis is another common method used here, which removes dissolved salts and contaminants. 

Disinfection

This stage uses chlorine, ozone, or ultraviolet light in order to kill or inactivate pathogens like viruses and bacteria. This is the last stage of the multi-stage wastewater filtration system. 

Benefits of a Multi-Stage Wastewater Filtration System for Industrial Applications

There are many different benefits that come with a wastewater filtration system, especially when looking at a multi-stage system for industrial applications. Let’s look at some of the main benefits that come with this type of system. 

• Customized Wastewater Filtration: When it comes to wastewater filtration, especially for industrial applications, one of the biggest benefits is that the stages can be customized to the particular needs of the industry. Industrial companies typically have more complex wastewater with a wider range of contaminants within it. Being able to customize these stages and target particular compounds or contaminants in the wastewater is essential due to their complex nature.
• Comprehensive Contaminant Removal: With the variety of contaminants that can be found in the wastewater of industrial companies, there is a need to have a water filtration system that can get rid of these complex contaminants. For industrial wastewater filtration systems, it’s necessary to have a multi-stage system in place that can get rid of everything from small particles, chemicals, and dissolved substances.
• Improved Water Quality: This benefit seems like a pretty standard one for industrial wastewater treatments used in this industry, but that doesn’t make it any less important. The end product of having this type of wastewater filtration is that the end result is much purer, high-quality, and suitable for applications like cleaning, cooling, and manufacturing processes.
• Cost Effectiveness: The upfront cost of implementing a wastewater treatment system, such as a multi-stage system, may be higher, but the overall investment will save you money in the long run. It allows your systems to run more effectively, avoid issues with equipment, and increase the longevity of your industrial equipment.
• Regulatory Compliance: These systems are ideal for keeping up with the Environmental Protection Agency and environmental compliance. They meet or exceed these expectations due to the complex nature of the filtration system, which reduces the possibility of fines, shutdowns, or legal issues due to not meeting these expectations.

What Industries Could Use a Multi-Stage Wastewater Filtration System? 

There are many different industries across the world that would benefit from having a multi-stage wastewater filtration system in place. Here are a few examples of these industries that would benefit most from this type of water treatment. 

Manufacturing: Industries that work on manufacturing often have wastewater that is complex and filled with a variety of different contaminants, like chemicals or heavy metals. 

Power Plants: Power plants use water for cooling and other processes, so having a multi-stage system in place is essential for meeting compliance regulations for power plants. 

Food and Beverage: These industries in the food and beverage sector generate wastewater that includes many contaminants from organic matter, nutrients, and other contaminants. Having a complex water treatment in place can help with being able to reuse the water as well for other processes. 

Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics: With this industry, it’s crucial to have a multi-stage system in order to get the maximum filtration for manufacturing, production, and water reuse. 

How to Choose a Multi-Stage Water Filtration System 

Choosing a water filtration system is essential for industries that need a more complex type of wastewater treatment. There are different aspects that should be looked into before choosing a filtration system that works for your industry to ensure you’re getting the top-quality water filtration for complex contaminants and ensuring that you are meeting compliance standards. 

Test Your Water: Always start with testing your water to see what type of contaminants you have inside it, as this will help you to determine how complex a multi-stage system you need. 

Identify Specific Needs: Find out what needs you have for the water, as certain types of water and industries may need a different extent of filtration. 

Determine the Cost: You should be prepared for the cost of the filtration system by looking at the initial cost and the ongoing cost of the filtration system.

Familiarize Yourself With Filters: You should become more aware of the type of filters, what they do, and how they can help you with your particular needs. 

Choose a System: Lastly, you will look into different systems to find what will work best for your industry after looking at all of these areas. 

Getting a Multi-Stage Wastewater Filtration System

Industrial applications need a multi-stage wastewater system that is used to get rid of complex contaminants often found within these industries. Knowing the differences and what you may need for your particular industry can ensure that you are meeting compliance standards while giving you top-quality filtration for your needs. 

Our filtration systems at Lakeside Equipment are specifically made for the needs of industrial applications. They are complex, and we offer a variety of different equipment services that can fit the needs of your business. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your system or add in a new multi-stage wastewater filtration system, at Lakeside Equipment, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today. 

As we celebrate Earth Day, the importance of protecting our planet’s resources takes center stage. As both urban and rural areas are experiencing population expansions, including increasing industrial activity, developing sustainable approaches to wastewater treatment has never been more important. 

Today’s wastewater treatment facilities are the gateway to the health of our waterways. Sustainable wastewater solutions, including advancements in wastewater treatment technologies, are key to ensuring clean water returns safely to the environment. 

Wastewater treatment facilities serve important roles in environmental protection. They must continually evolve to meet new challenges and demands, while also taking steps to reduce their ecological footprints and be good stewards of the environment. From energy-efficient systems to enhanced resource recovery, today’s wastewater treatment solutions show us how the industry is evolving with a continued commitment to sustainability. 

The Changing World of Sustainable Wastewater Treatment 

Traditional wastewater treatment has come a long way in not only recent decades, but also recent years. Today’s modern facilities now integrate sophisticated technologies that are capable of cleaning water more effectively, and do so with even less environmental impact. 

The most important advancements in wastewater treatment for sustainability focus on three main areas – energy efficiency, resource recovery, and reduced chemical usage. 

Energy Efficiency: Powering Progress Through Smart Energy Solutions 

Wastewater treatment plants often consume large amounts of energy, especially large facilities with high volumes of water treatment.  The amount of energy used largely depends on the method of treatment and the types of pollutants and contaminants in the water. 

Initiatives that support energy efficiency in the industry are important for sustainability in the future.   

For example, some wastewater treatment facilities are capturing and reusing thermal energy from treatment processes. This alone can help facilities use less energy and reduce their heating and cooling costs. 

Resource Recovery: Turning Waste Into Value

Resource recovery is crucial to sustainable wastewater treatment, with more facilities taking on the role of resource recovery centers, rather than just treatment plants. Moving beyond biogas generation and biogas recovery, facilities are looking for new ways to extract valuable resources from wastewater streams. 

As an example, some facilities are able to recover cellulose fibers from paper product remnants in wastewater, which can be repurposed into building materials or used in biofuel production. 

The industry is also looking at how water reuse programs are also becoming more sophisticated, with treated effluent being purified to standards that are suitable for agriculture and industrial processes. 

Nature’s Way: Biological Solutions Reducing Chemical Dependency in Wastewater Treatment

The industry overall is beginning to make a shift toward reduced chemical usage, which is an important step toward water treatment sustainability. Today, more facilities are adopting biological treatment processes that utilize natural bacterial communities to break down pollutants and remove nutrients, which reduces the need for chemical additives. 

Another approach is using advanced oxidation that uses UV light and hydrogen peroxide to treat wastewater effectively without the environmental concerns that are common with chemical treatments. 

The goal is to not only reduce the environmental impact of chemical production and transport, but also improve worker safety. 

Smart Technology Integration 

Smart technology has enhanced our lives on many levels, including wastewater treatment efficiency. Smart technology and automations are really changing how efficient and, as a result, how sustainable, wastewater treatment can be. 

As an example, advanced monitoring systems can provide real-time data on wastewater treatment processes, which allows facility managers and operators to adjust treatment parameters and reduce the consumption of resources used in water treatment. 

Nature-Based Solutions to Wastewater Treatment 

One of the most amazing wastewater treatment processes doesn’t involve equipment or specific treatment processes. Nature-based solutions are a contrast to new technological advances, but are gaining recognition for their role in wastewater management. 

An example of effective nature-based solutions is constructed wetlands with living “filters” that not only treat water, but create important wildlife habitats and green spaces. 

Nature-based solutions like this use microorganisms and plants, as well as soil, as natural filters to treat wastewater. These systems require very little in terms of energy input and maintenance since they are self-sustainable. 

Wastewater Treatment and the Big Picture of Sustainability

The movement toward more sustainable wastewater treatment options is important as the industry continues to make advancements in this area through new innovations in technology and steps to reduce energy consumption. 

But it’s equally important to take a look at how the wastewater treatment industry contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable world every day. 

Effective water treatment is a guarantee that the water that makes its way back into our local water resources and soil is clean and safe. This is absolutely critical for public health in local communities. A healthier society is a more sustainable society.

Through effective wastewater treatment, harmful pollutants, including chemicals, heavy metals, and microorganisms that are harmful to human health, are removed so that they no longer pose a risk. 

The effects of this extend beyond human health and affect the health of wildlife and natural ecosystems. Wastewater treatment is essential for preserving wildlife habitats and ecosystems, as it removes harmful pollutants before the treated wastewater is released into local lakes and rivers. 

At the end of the day, wastewater treatment is one of the most valuable, sustainable ways we have to conserve one of the world’s most valuable resources – its water. 

Future Directions in Sustainable Wastewater Treatment

Looking toward the future, wastewater treatment is full of exciting possibilities that will further contribute to the sustainability of the industry. Research is continually evolving, leading to the development of new technologies, including those that can generate electricity directly from wastewater treatment processes. Along with this are treatment methods that are more efficient, but have an even lower environmental impact. 

Water reuse technologies are becoming more advanced, allowing wastewater treatment to play an important role in addressing water scarcity, especially in drought-affected areas. Treated water can be safely reused for agricultural, irrigation, and industrial processes. With advanced treatment, water can even be used for drinking water, further helping to address water scarcity challenges. 

Celebrating Earth Day with a Focus on Sustainability 

Today, we as a society are confronting global challenges, such as water scarcity and climate change. Sustainable wastewater treatment has become increasingly important in addressing these challenges. The wastewater treatment industry is continually developing solutions and is committed to innovations that make treatment more sustainable, while protecting the environment and public health.  Contact Lakeside Equipment today to learn more. 

A statistic published by the United Nations says that 55% of the world’s population currently lives in urban areas, and that this is expected to grow to 68% by the year 2050. Cities around the world are experiencing growth at rates higher than in years past, presenting new challenges for wastewater treatment. 

The wastewater treatment industry is faced with keeping up with the pace of expanding populations, which requires a combination of innovative solutions, strategic planning, and new technological advancements that safeguard the environment and public health. 

Let’s take a look at the key challenges of urban expansion on wastewater treatment and the solutions that will help the industry succeed. 

The Growing Urban Wastewater Crisis 

The growing demographic shift to urban areas is placing significant strain on existing wastewater infrastructure. Much of the current infrastructure that is in place was designed and built decades ago, when populations were less than they are today, and without consideration of the potential growth trajectory in the future. 

This makes it increasingly challenging for current wastewater treatment facilities to handle not only the current load, but also to scale for the anticipated growth. 

The consequences of not meeting these challenges are far-reaching. Public health, the environment, and the economic impact are all critical concerns. Many wastewater treatment facilities are equipped with aging systems that struggle to handle the increased volume of growing populations, while meeting newer, stricter environmental regulations. 

Here are the key challenges that urban growth is placing on today’s wastewater treatment centers. 

Key Challenges in Urban Wastewater Treatment 

Capacity Constraints

Most wastewater treatment centers are currently operating at or near their maximum capacity, especially during peak flow events. When facilities reach their capacity constraints, the potential for bottlenecks in the treatment process increases, which also increases the risk of system failures and overflows. 

The challenge here is not only expanding capacity, but achieving adequate expansion in crowded urban areas. It’s also difficult to maintain typical operations during an expansion, which presents a set of new challenges on its own. 

Aging Infrastructure 

The existing wastewater treatment infrastructure in many cities is already reaching or exceeding its maximum lifespan. Issues such as deterioration in pipes, failing equipment, and outdated treatment technologies can lead to lower efficiency rates across the board, as well as increased maintenance costs. 

As wastewater treatment facilities are considering how and when to update their infrastructure, they’re also facing even greater costs of updating to a level that can handle the rapid urban growth. 

Environmental Compliance

As urban areas continue to grow, we’re seeing environmental regulations become more strict, requiring treatment facilities to achieve higher levels of effluent quality. For wastewater treatment facilities, especially smaller operations, meeting these requirements while handling increased volumes comes with both operational and technical challenges. 

The solution involves implementing advanced treatment processes that can be utilized to handle higher volumes of treatment, without significantly increasing either the overall operational costs or energy consumption. This is a balance that treatment facilities in growing areas must work to find solutions that are beneficial both for effluent quality and the conservation of resources, including money. 

Solutions for Modern Wastewater Treatment Challenges 

Urban growth isn’t going to slow down any time soon, which means we need to look at solutions that work for wastewater treatment plants of all sizes. 

Smart Technology to the Rescue 

Smart technology is one solution that can help prevent bottlenecks and reduce overall operational costs. For example, installing real-time monitoring systems or using predictive maintenance algorithms enables facilities to monitor system performance continuously and predict when equipment could be stressed to the point of needing repair or upgrade. 

Smart technology in wastewater treatment can also help facilities optimize chemical usage and energy consumption, which is important as facilities are learning to adapt to increased demands. 

Sustainable Design Approaches

Today, wastewater treatment facilities are considering how they can incorporate sustainable design to reduce operation costs and the environmental impact of treatment. Depending on the size of the facility and the type of wastewater it treats, this can happen in a few different ways. 

It could look like upgrading to energy efficient equipment and processes, especially for mid-size to larger operations that can quickly recover the costs due to resource and cost savings. 

Other approaches that are both sustainable and friendly toward urban growth include biogas generation and anaerobic digestion as a treatment option, reduced dependence on chemical treatment by adopting biological treatment processes, and the integration of more green infrastructure as facilities update or upgrade their equipment. 

Strategic Planning for Future Urban Growth 

As urban areas expand, wastewater treatment facilities need to adjust and integrate into their surrounding communities with minimal disruption. This means taking steps to minimize any potential odor or noise impacts on the surrounding community, for starters, but it also involves becoming active members of the community they’re in. 

This is a great opportunity for wastewater treatment centers to become involved and establish themselves as valuable assets for the community. For example, developing or contributing to local environmental initiatives and creating educational opportunities, especially in the area of sustainability, can help build a more positive image for facilities. 

As the need for growth becomes a more pressing issue, facility managers can assess how to do so with minimal disruption to ongoing operations. A phased approach that begins with a comprehensive assessment of the current system capacity and performance is a necessary starting point, combined with future growth projections. 

Working with an experienced provider of wastewater treatment equipment is a way for facility operators to better understand the available technologies and solutions. An experienced provider can also suggest the most advanced equipment options while considering budget constraints or available funding options. 

There are multiple cost-effective solutions available that can provide a higher long-term return and benefits. 

Future Proofing Urban Wastewater Treatment 

As the industry adapts to urban growth, the next challenge is looking at what wastewater treatment can do to future-proof itself and more easily adapt to increasing demands. 

The first area to consider is resilient design. This involves building wastewater treatment systems that are designed with features that meet the needs of the future. 

Resilient design for tomorrow includes adaptations for climate change, flexible treatment capabilities that can handle the ebbs and flows of volume, sustainable resource management, and emergency response plans for both operational and natural emergencies. 

This is also the time to look at innovation and how new technologies can be integrated into both existing and new or updated treatment facilities. This involves staying up to date and evaluating new technologies for their fit in current wastewater treatment processes, as well as pilot testing new solutions that show promise for the future. 

Additional initiatives, such as collaborations with industry partners to build stronger wastewater treatment systems together and continuous improvement programs, can also play a significant role in helping the industry adapt to urban expansion. 

Final Thoughts

Successfully addressing wastewater treatment challenges in expanding urban areas requires a multi-tiered approach that involves strategy, innovation, sustainability, and the flexibility to adapt. By implementing solutions today and planning for tomorrow, the wastewater treatment industry can move forward, helping cities develop wastewater treatment infrastructure that meets demands, keeps communities safe, and protects the environment. 

At Lakeside Equipment, we’re here to be your partner in wastewater treatment innovation. Contact us today to learn more about our equipment and services to assist the changing needs of your facility. Our experienced staff is available to answer your questions and help you develop a growth strategy to take your facility into the future.