Screening and debris removal are two of the most important parts of wastewater filtration, which is why it’s important to ensure that the devices you are using for it are efficient. Trash rakes, in particular, help with maintaining efficiency and preventing system downtime, but like most things, there are a few options for what kind of trash rake to use. We are going to go over our Hydronic T Series and Catronic Series solutions so that you can get a better idea of what might be the best option for you. Every plant has different goals and needs, so knowing what each of these solutions will give you and how they will help you achieve your goals.

What You Need to Know About Trash Rake Systems

First, we are going to go over what exactly a trash rake system is. A trash rake system is an automated or mechanical system that cleans up debris from bar screens in water intake points. They ultimately help with protecting downstream equipment like pumps and can keep your wastewater system running efficiently. Typically, a rake will go into the bar screen and then be pulled across the screen, collecting trapped debris. Once the rake is off the screen, it will dump off the debris into a hopper, dumpster, or truck to dispose of it. One of the main benefits of a trash rake is the automation aspect, as they will automatically be triggered with a calendar, timer, or differential in water pressure to become active, eliminating the need to manually do the raking. It’s essential to have the right model to remove specific debris, as it will affect the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the plant.

All About the Hydronic T Series Trash Rake

When we look at the Hydronic T Series trash rake, there are some key aspects to consider if you are looking into choosing this option or wanting to see the difference between this one and other options. The first thing to consider is that it is hydronically operated with a telescoping boom design and it’s easily capable of deep channel applications. It can handle pretty heavy debris loads and is suitable for deep or wide intake structures. Another benefit to the performance of these options is that it has a robust and low-maintenance hydronic system, which is how it operates. Ultimately, it is a great option for power plants, large municipal plants, and industrial facilities.

Benefits of a Hydronic T Series:

There are benefits that we want to highlight when it comes to the Hydronic T Series trash rake option. Consider these benefits as they relate to your plant and specific goals or needs within it.

It has high efficiency for cleaning due to the hydronic drive that allows for adjustable pressure on the screen, which leads to optimization of the cleaning
High debris capacity allows it to remove a large amount of trash without needing intervention or a clean out
It’s a great option for deep channels or harsh environments
High-demand operations will benefit from the durability of this option
It requires little maintenance as most of it is automated, and all of the components are located above the water, making any maintenance needed extremely accessible

Negatives of Hydronic T Series Trash Rake:

There are a few drawbacks that we should mention when it comes to opting for a Hydronic T Series and we’re going to go over them so you can make the best decision on what might be best for your needs.

The higher initial cost might not be doable for some facilities as hydronic options are often more expensive
There are higher operating costs when it comes to energy consumption and the need for hydronic fluids to keep it running
There is a possibility of leakage when it comes to the pressurized hydronic lines and seals
It can also be prone to clogging if the bar spacing is too narrow for the type of debris being cleaned, which makes it essential to ensure that this is looked into if you are considering this solution

All About Catronic Series Trash Rake

Now let’s take a look at the Catronic Series trash rake and what it entails, so you have a good understanding of both options here. This trash rake is electrically driven with a cable and carriage system. It also has a compact design which makes it ideal for lighter and more moderate debris loads. When it comes to performance, it has flexible operation with customizable raking depths as well as the benefit of a simple installation and minimal carbon footprint. This is ultimately a better option for smaller plants and facilities that are working with limited space.

Benefits of Catronic Series Trash Rake:

Now we are going to take a look at some of the benefits of a Catronic Series trash rake so you can get a good idea of what the advantages are to choosing this solution over others.

The energy efficiency of this trash rake is immaculate in comparison to other options when it comes to their electric operation
They need low maintenance, and they have easy access for servicing if they do need maintenance
This is a cost-effective option for lighter-duty operations and plants that have smaller debris to clean up
They can be used in a variety of existing structures without needing to completely change it up in order to install

Negatives of a Catronic Series Trash Rake:

If we look at the benefits, then we need to recognize some of the negatives as well to help you make the best decision for your plant. Here are some of the negatives that could come with getting a Catronic Series Trash Rake in comparison to others.

Low water flow can cause air bubbles to form, which can damage turbine blades
It has technology dependence, which means that a shutdown or power outage could stop the system from working
Accumulation of fats, oils, and grease could cause issues of buildup on the rake bars
The channel depth of this option is shallow to moderate

Hydronic T Series vs Catronic Series
Drive Type
hydronic T Series: hydronic
Catronic Series: Electric

Channel Depth
hydronic T Series: Deep
Catronic Series: Shallow to Moderate

Debris Load
hydronic T Series: Heavy
Catronic Series: Light to Medium

Maintenance
hydronic T Series: Low, hydronic-based
Catronic Series: Low, electric-based

Installation
hydronic T Series: Complex and suited for large structures
Catronic Series: Simple and compact setup

Ideal For
hydronic T Series: Power plants and industrial applications
Catronic Series: Municipal plants and compact facilities

Choosing Lakeside Equipment for Your Trash Rake Solution

Now that we’ve gone through the pros, cons, and differences between the hydronic T series and catronic series trash rake options, it’s time to choose one that best fits your needs. Ultimately, it is going to come down to your goals, the type of debris, the size of your facility, and ultimately what you are willing to spend and do when it comes to pricing and maintenance. Regardless of what option you choose, we can help you set up your trash rake with our Lakeside Equipment solutions. If you feel that you know the best option for your facility, contact us, and we’d be happy to get you set up with one of our hydronic T series or electronic series trash rakes.

Screening and grit removal are essential in wastewater treatment processes. They are the two main processes in the wastewater treatment facilities that help to keep the plant running efficiently and reduce maintenance costs. When it comes to looking at screening and grit removal, though, there are many different options to choose from. We’re going to take a look at the different screening and grit removal technologies to see what might be the best option for your wastewater treatment processes. 

What is Screening and Grit Removal? 

As we stated before, screening and grit removal are an important part of wastewater management. Here is a look at what screening and grit removal are when it comes to wastewater management. 

Screening: Screening is a physical process that uses screens to catch larger, coarse solids. It typically removes items like plastic wrappers, rags, toys, and other trash that ultimately shouldn’t be flushed. The water will flow through the screen and collect debris is washed and dewatered before it’s removed. 

Grit Removal: Grit removal is the process of removing smaller, heavier inorganic materials that pass through the initial screening process. Sand, gravel, coffee grounds, and bone fragments are all a part of the debris that would be removed in this process. The water goes through a grit chamber, which causes heavy grit particles to settle to the bottom, where the debris is then collected and mechanically removed. 

With both of these processes, it’s important to do the grit and screening removal properly in order to get an efficient result. If you are not doing this removal properly, then it can cause inefficiency and leftover debris in water, which can cause many other issues within the process and for those using the water. 

Screening Technology Methods 

There are many different screening technology methods that you can choose from, and they all have their own pros and cons. We are going to take a look at each of these technologies to help you decide which is the best option for you. 

Bar Screens

Bar screens are simple, reliable, and cost-effective, making them a great option for so many companies looking for a reliable but budget-friendly option. Another pro to opting for this screening technology is that it has the ability to handle high flow rates. With this said, some of the cons associated with this technology are the need for manual cleaning, which may be labor-intensive and not something that some wastewater management facilities may be able to do. Not only this, but there is a limitation to the removal of small debris, meaning that some of the minuscule debris could potentially be missed and need to be followed up with another method. 

Drum Screens

Drum screens offer a continuous operation with automated cleaning, which means there is little need for manual intervention. It’s also very effective at removing smaller solids that might be missed with other technologies. However, the initial cost is higher than some might want to pay, and it can also clog if it’s not properly maintained, so frequent maintenance is important. 

Step Screens

Step screens have a compact footprint, and they can handle high debris loads very efficiently. On the other hand, moving parts in this technology require regular maintenance, which keeps it running effectively. From a sustainability standpoint, this technology has higher energy consumption than other options, which can cause higher bills and a higher environmental impact. 

Fine Screens

Fine screens are known for their ability to remove very small particles. They also protect sensitive downstream equipment, which is essential for wastewater management companies that are looking for protection of their other equipment. Some of the cons to this option are that it’s prone to clogging, so it requires more maintenance and cleaning than other options. 

Grit Removal Technologies 

Now, we are going to take a look at the different grit removal technologies and compare them with their pros and cons. This will help you to decide which option might be best for your wastewater management business. 

Grit Chambers/Detention Basins 

Grit chambers or detention basins are known for their low-energy and simple design. It’s also great for larger grit particles and works efficiently to remove them. However, on the other hand, this technology requires more space, and it’s less effective for finer grit, meaning that there may be a need to have another technology to go behind it. 

Aerated Grit Chambers

Aerated grit chambers use continuous operation and good grit separation to keep up with effectively doing their job. It also reduces odor and sludge buildup, which can be an issue for other technologies. Some of the cons associated with this option are higher operational costs due to the aeration. There is also a more complex design and maintenance, which may require more manpower to upkeep.

Vortex Grit Removal Systems

One of the best pros of getting a vortex grit removal system is the compact footprint, and it’s also best for removing both fine and coarse grit, making it quite universal for different needs. Overall, there are cons that come with this particular system as well, though. For example, there is a higher initial cost with this system, and it is also sensitive to flow variations, which means that it may require adjustments. 

Hydroclones/Centrifugal Systems 

Hydroclones and centrifugal systems are both great at fine-grit separation. It also has a small footprint with low energy consumption, making it a great option for sustainability. One of the drawbacks of these systems is the limited capacity, which means that for larger facilities, there could be a need to have multiple systems per facility. 

What Should You Consider When Choosing a Technology? 

When it comes to choosing a technology system that is best for you, it’s important to look at all of the factors. Here is a list of some of the top things you should consider when you are deciding on what system to use for your facility:

• Flow rate and the peak flow variations 
• Integration with existing treatment processes
• Space and footprint constraints
• Type and size of debris it’s best at removing 
• Maintenance requirements and operational costs 

Choosing Your Screening and Grit Technology 

If you’re in the market to choose a screening and grit technology, be sure to refer to this article on the different options that are available. Ultimately, it’s important to look into all of the considerations to ensure you are choosing the best option for your facility. With that being said, at Lakeside Equipment, we have a variety of options for wastewater removal facilities if you are looking to implement any of them. Contact us today or visit our website to take a look at what we have to offer and which option might be best for you.

Organic debris falling into wastewater is a common problem that we see all the time, but with autumn rolling around, this debris is going to increase. As the weather cools down, the leaves fall from trees, and we can often find more twigs, leaves, and other organic material in wastewater, which can mean that keeping wastewater clean can be a little more difficult. We’re going to take a look at why autumn brings more organic debris and how your wastewater facility can prepare and combat this common issue this season. 

Why Does Autumn Bring More Organic Debris?

Organic debris is classified as anything that comes naturally that can fall or make its way into the wastewater system. In Autumn, the temperatures cool and leaves begin to fall off the trees, which can bring an increase in fallen leaves into wastewater. On top of this, there is an increase in weather related activity, such as storms, heavy winds, and rain, which can bring in even more debris from trees, like limbs and twigs. 

Wastewater Treatment Facility Challenges During Autumn

There are specific wastewater treatment facility challenges that arise in the autumn season, but knowing these challenges can help you better prepare for rhythm and ultimately manage them more easily when the autumn season comes in full swing. So let’s look at some of the challenges associated with wastewater treatment facilities that are often seen in this season. 

Higher Risk of Clogging: One thing that you may experience more of is the increased risk of clogging when it comes to pumps, screens, and other equipment. This is due to the increased amount of debris that is falling into the wastewater, and therefore will result in an increase in clogging. 

Increased Strain on Equipment: Because there is an increase in the amount of debris, there is also an increase in the strain on the equipment used to remove this debris. For example, grit removal and screening systems will work a lot harder as they help to remove this debris, which can increase the strain on the equipment. 

Greater Potential for Upkeep Problems: Odors, blockages, and operational slowdowns can be expected as there is an increase in these problems with the increase in debris. Because your equipment is working extra hard, these problems can arise and should be addressed quickly in order to get things back in working order. 

How to Manage Increased Debris in the Autumn Season

Now that we understand a few of the common challenges associated with wastewater treatment facilities and the autumn season, let’s look more into how you can manage the increased debris. Having a plan in place can keep you from experiencing downtime and allow you to get back to full efficiency. 

Pump Station Protection 

Pumps can take on a heavy hit when it comes to debris because of the role that they play in the clearing of it. You can protect your pump station by keeping leaves, rags, and other materials out to avoid damage to these pumps. Use proper screening to ensure that downtime is minimal and issues with the pump station are not causing downtime and low efficiency for the wastewater treatment. 

Enhanced Screening and Grit Removal 

Screening and grit removal are both important parts of wastewater treatment, and it’s important to keep up with these areas, especially in the autumn season. You should have regular inspection and maintenance scheduled to ensure that you are looking out for any problems and can get them addressed promptly. Running into issues with your screening or grit removal processes can lead to downtime and inefficiency in wastewater treatment, causing other issues that could have been avoided with proper maintenance. 

Preventative Maintenance 

It’s important not to wait until there is an issue to get maintenance, but instead to use preventative maintenance to keep up with potential issues and have them fixed before they cause future problems. Preventative maintenance can include getting an inspection done before autumn rolls around to ensure your equipment is working properly, as well as adjusting cleaning schedules to accommodate the increase in debris. 

Educate the Community

Let the community know what issues may arise with the increase in autumn debris in wastewater. You can encourage them to keep leaves and yard waste out of storm drains and educate them on proper disposal methods as well. This can help keep the community involved while having all hands on deck when it comes to wastewater management. 

Lakeside Equipment’s Advanced Equipment Solutions 

When it comes to getting a handle on these potential issues, it’s important to look into solutions that will help you in the long run. At Lakeside Equipment, we have multiple equipment solutions that can help you prepare for the increase in debris in wastewater in Autumn and keep your wastewater management systems running smoothly. We offer grit removal, screening, and solids handling equipment that’s advanced and can keep up with the increase in debris that may affect wastewater treatment and management. Low-maintenance systems are a great way to keep up with the increased production and workflow needed during high debris times like the autumn season, so investing in this type of equipment now is a great way to get that started. You can see benefits such as decreased downtime, less maintenance, improved efficiency, and even environmental benefits when you invest in proactive and advanced equipment for wastewater management. 

Getting Prepared for the Autumn Season 

Waste management treatment facilities can see a huge increase in the work needed during the autumn season. With challenges with overworked systems and equipment due to the increased debris, it’s important to get ahead of the season and begin investing in proactive solutions now. Remember, inspect your systems before autumn is in full swing so that you can ensure your equipment is working efficiently. Consider upgrading to advanced equipment in order to keep up with the increase in workload and to avoid any potential issues with your current equipment. Review your equipment readiness, and if you are in the market to upgrade to advanced equipment, contact us at Lakeside Equipment, and we can install our top of the line options before the autumn season hits, to keep your facility running smoothly

Reliable and capable wastewater equipment is an essential component of safety and compliance in wastewater management. Failing equipment or equipment that’s just not at its best can cause many problems when it comes to downtime, costly repairs, and penalties associated with regulations. We’re going to talk more about how you know when to replace or upgrade your wastewater equipment, so let’s break it down and talk about the signs that something needs to be done about your equipment.

Consider the Age and Wear of the Equipment

One thing to consider is how long the equipment has been in use that you’ve had. Pumps, aerators, and screens all have different lifetimes and must be replaced within a certain amount of time to avoid larger issues. There are also important signs of wear and tear that you should consider when looking at your equipment to see if you should replace or upgrade it. These signs include:

Corrosion
Rusty parts
Leaking
Unusual noises coming from the equipment
Vibration

Ultimately, if you have found that your equipment hasn’t been replaced in a very long time, it would be crucial to replace it as soon as possible. Older equipment has a much higher chance of having more issues associated with it, and it can cause issues throughout the different areas of the equipment.

Declining Performance and Efficiency

Keeping up with your equipment’s performance and efficiency is a great way to see if there is a need for any adjustments. Replacements, or upgrades. Ultimately, your equipment will start showing signs of declining efficiency, and this could be a potential issue when looking at wastewater management. If you’ve noticed that equipment is struggling to meet the capacity or treatment standards, then it may be time to reassess the equipment. Increased energy consumption and operational costs can be a sign that your equipment is working much harder than it should to get the job done. Some other signs you should look out for are decreased throughput, slower processing times, and inconsistent treatment results. If you’ve noticed any of these, it is time to reassess your equipment and make any changes necessary.

Frequency of Breakdowns and Repairs

Over the lifetime of wastewater equipment, there will be breakdowns and repairs needed; however, there is a limit at which a replacement or upgrade of the equipment might be the smarter and better option. One thing to consider is the amount that you’re spending on maintenance and repairs over the course of a certain period of time. Repair costs add up significantly, and eventually, it might make more sense monetarily to invest in an upgrade or replacement instead. Breakdowns and repairs also mean more downtime where your business isn’t operational, and this can mean missing deadlines and missing out on revenue. It’s crucial to weigh the options when it comes to relying on these temporary fixes or investing more in a long-term solution.

Regulatory Compliance and Safety Concerns

When it comes to wastewater management, there are regulatory requirements that must be met, and newer equipment could offer improved monitoring and automation to ensure that these requirements are met. Not only this, but upgrading equipment can meet environmental regulations that may be changing as well. It’s also important to look at potential safety concerns that may arise due to faulty equipment. Malfunctioning equipment or structural weakness could become a huge issue for those who are working in your facility.

Wastewater Specific Signs to Watch For

When it comes to wastewater equipment, there are a few different specific signs to watch out for. Overflows and backups are something to watch out for, which can indicate that there are issues with some of the equipment. Poor water quality readings can also be a sign to watch out for that something is wrong with some of the equipment.

When Should You Repair vs Replace?

There are many factors that can go into whether you should repair or replace your equipment. One of the most important considerations is the cost of a long-term solution and the benefits of investing in it. It’s essential to consult with an equipment expert to determine the most suitable course of action for your specific situation. Experts can assess your situation and ultimately tell you if you should invest in a repair or a replacement. Knowing whether or not you should repair or replace your equipment depends on your personal situation, as every piece of equipment is different. When it comes to speaking with a professional, they will look into all of the details that we mentioned above, like the lifespan of the equipment, the problems you are experiencing, and what the options for you may be.

Working With Lakeside Equipment

Don’t worry if you are in the predicament where you are experiencing issues with your wastewater equipment, or if you think that the lifespan of your equipment might be ending. We have a full team of experts who have experience in wastewater equipment and are able to identify potential issues, with the best solutions for you in mind. We will come to you and do a proactive assessment to look at your current situation, then we will give you a comprehensive solution that includes your next steps to ensure that your equipment is working to full efficiency. If you’re interested in working with Lakeside Equipment, contact us and we can come asses your situation and get your equipment back up and running perfectly.

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.