Aging wastewater infrastructure has been a concern in the United States for decades, but there hasn’t been much funding to combat this until recently. In recent years, concern has grown, leading to increased federal funding to help repair and modernize these wastewater treatment plants. Overall, wastewater treatment is crucial, so ensuring these facilities remain efficient and up to date will help extend their lifespans. Modernization is important for population growth, environmental regulations, and climate regulations. This 2026 infrastructure funding is driving major upgrades to our wastewater treatment facilities and systems. Let’s take a look at how this is expected to change in 2026 and what the future of wastewater treatment facilities could look like as a result. 

What the Current Wastewater Infrastructure Looks Like

To understand what differences are to come with the federal funding, we have to look at what wastewater infrastructure currently looks like. When we look at the current infrastructure, the biggest consideration is that many of these wastewater treatment facilities are decades old. Because of this, it’s vital to have an upgraded system to prevent issues such as leaks, overflows, and inefficiencies that can arise after years of use. The growing population is also a major factor in considering how these facilities can keep up. Increasing demand from this population growth calls for upgraded systems that can handle the increased workload. Locally, many areas are struggling to keep their wastewater facilities up to date and operating efficiently due to financial constraints, which will be addressed through federal funding opportunities. 

What the Federal Infrastructure Funding for 2026 Will Look Like

Major infrastructure legislation passed in the last few years has paved the way for the funding we will receive this year. In the last few years, the federal government has begun paying close attention to and prioritizing water infrastructure, and has declared it a national issue. When we think about funding initiatives behind it, there are two main ones: bipartisan infrastructure efforts and environmental protection programs. Federal agencies are partnering with state and local governments to fund these areas and coordinate large-scale investments, rather than relying on isolated funding. The funds are being split between different areas such as wastewater systems, drinking water improvements, and stormwater management. The key goal here is to invest in a long-term fix to transform our current wastewater system, rather than in short-term fixes that won’t last.

What is Being Modernized Inside Wastewater Treatment Facilities? 

Modernizing these facilities is the main goal of this funding, as many of them use outdated systems that have been around for decades, causing problems over the years. Modernizing these facilities will allow them to work more efficiently and avoid costly maintenance in the future. Here is a look at what will be modernized in these facilities: 

Aging Equipment: Many of these facilities have been around for decades and use the same equipment. Upgrading equipment will make a world of difference in avoiding maintenance and breakdowns and maximizing efficiency. 

Automation: Automation is becoming part of almost every system we have due to advances in technology. Automation will help to alleviate the need for manual labor in many areas while streamlining processes. 

Capacity Expansion: With the increase in population,n there is an increase in demand for water. This places excessive stress on our current wastewater systems, which is why expanding the capacity of these facilities to handle demand is crucial. 

Energy-Efficiency: With energy use and sustainability a top priority across many industries, wastewater facilities are seeking to improve energy efficiency. With these upgrades, the wastewater industry can be much more energy-efficient. 

Improved Technologies: Filtration and treatment technologies will become much more efficient and capable of meeting greater demand. 

Benefits of Modernized Wastewater Systems 

There are many benefits to modernizing our current wastewater systems. These benefits span many areas, including environmental, public health, community, and economic health. Let’s look at them broken down by category: 

Environmental Benefits: 

• Compliance with regulations 
• Improved water quality 
• Reduces pollution 
• Better handling of stormwater and runoff 

Public Health/Community Benefits: 

• Reduced contaminant exposure 
• Improved sanitation 
• Cleaner drinking water
• Prevents sewage overflow 

Economic Benefits: 

• Creates more job opportunities 
• Support local businesses 
• Increases property values 

Potential Challenges with Modernizing Facilities

As with most things, challenges can arise when we consider what modernizing these wastewater treatment facilities might entail. For example, there could be funding gaps even with federal support, which can delay changes or cause financial strain. The rise in construction and material costs must also be considered, as it will heavily affect the overall cost of the project and determine how much funding is needed. Additionally, there could be setbacks in coordination among federal, state, and local agencies. These challenges will not delay the modernization of these facilities, but it’s important to recognize them in planning. 

What Does This Mean for Wastewater Facility Infrastructure? 

When we think about the changes we can expect this year, it’s important to understand their effects on our facilities as a whole. We can first expect to see more federal funding for this area, especially as maintenance needs and upgrades may continue to be needed in the coming years. We will also see a shift in sustainable infrastructure as changes are made and new infrastructure is installed. Innovation will be a driver of future water management, especially for upgrades and improvements down the road. Wastewater treatment facilities will require ongoing maintenance, funding, and continued investment to keep them running efficiently. 

The Future of Wastewater Treatment Facilities in 2026 

The modernization of wastewater treatment facilities is crucial to the industry’s development and to keeping it efficient. Supporting these changes will also support environmental protection, economic growth, and public health with the upgrades we can expect to see. Current systems are not built to last; don’t meet the required demand, and are inefficient in their processes, which is why modernization is vital. To support a sustainable and resilient future, we must support the modernization of wastewater treatment facilities with federal funding. 

Inflow and infiltration are one of the most costly and persistent challenges in wastewater systems. Inflow is when water enters from rain, gutters, or runoff, while infiltration is groundwater that slowly seeps into the pipes through cracks or defects. Overall, this excess water doesn’t belong in the sewer system, and it can cause overflows, which make it much more difficult to operate. The issues come in when it causes system overload, increased costs, and overflow risks. Modern pumping systems help combat this issue by detecting, managing, and reducing the impact of I&I. Let’s explore how modern pumping systems achieve this and how wastewater treatment facilities can use them to reduce associated challenges. 

Understanding Inflow and Infiltration 

When we refer to inflow and infiltration, we mean› excess water entering through entry points such as manholes, cracks, loose joints, and illegal connections. The issues are often hard to manage because they aren’t caught early, as they’re underground, where they’re difficult to see and control. Wastewater systems have been dealing with I&I problems for years, and modern pumping solutions have been implemented to help alleviate the problem, but it is still difficult to manage. With an increase in excess water and the difficulty of managing it, the issue is larger than ever before. 

The Impact of I&I on Water Systems 

Inflow and infiltration can cause a variety of problems for wastewater systems, and recognizing these issues is the first step toward solving them. System overload is the main issue arising from excess water that isn’t supposed to be there, resulting in treatment plants exceeding capacity. The increased cost is another issue that arises from the greater volume of water needed to pump, treat, and manage, all of which involve operations that aren’t necessarily accounted for. It also puts a lot of strain on the equipment, which can lead to breakdowns or reduced longevity of the system equipment. For cities that deal with this issue, there is a financial burden, as it takes more funds to control the water system than it would if there weren’t excess water. All of these areas are having a huge impact on water systems that need to be controlled, and modern pumping solutions are now how we can address this issue. 

Traditional Methods for Controlling Inflow & Infiltration 

Currently, the methods used to control I&I focus mainly on identifying cracks and leaks so they can be repaired. For example, common approaches include smoke testing, sealing manholes and joints, and performing pipe repairs and replacements. Although these methods have been used for years, challenges associated with them make them less ideal in modern times. These current solutions are more reactive than proactive, meaning something isn’t done until there is already an issue at hand. These methods are also quite costly, given the labor required, and they are time-consuming. On top of that, it can be difficult to pinpoint all the issues, which can leave some unresolved even after it’s been repaired. Because of these challenges and the overall inefficiency of these methods, there is a growing need for a new way to manage I&I. 

How Modern Pumping Solutions Can Combat I&I 

Modern pumping solutions might be the key to combating inflow and infiltration problems due to their protective nature and the ability to provide a solution without requiring manual labor. With a modern pumping solution, there comes a shift from only fixing cracked or broken infrastructure to managing flow internally and dynamically. These pumping solutions can help to control, optimize, and redirect flow when needed without overload, even if II is present. This solution is key to ensuring that wastewater systems aren’t overloaded, and it’s easy to use. Compared to current methods, pumping solutions will be more efficient, less time-consuming, and more accurate at solving all the problems that come with I&I. This is a new approach to an issue that wastewater systems have been dealing with for years. It could make a huge difference in the future of how I&I is handled.

Why Modern Pumping Solutions Will Work

Modern pumping solutions are more proactive, efficient, and accurate, thanks to various features. These features work together to create a modern pumping solution ideal for combating inflow and infiltration. Let’s look at these features and how they contribute to combating I&I. 

Automation and Smart Controls

Automation and smart controls are being implemented across various processes in different industries, including the wastewater industry. With automation and smart controls, you’re able to make adjustments in real time without having to pinpoint the issue manually. The changes can be made automatically or remotely to combat the effects of I&I. 

Variable Frequency Drives 

VFDs, or variable frequency drives, are used to adjust pump flow to meet demand. They will adjust the pump speed automatically without the need for manual intervention, and they will help control the flow regardless of how much or how little it is. 

High-Efficiency 

These pumps are high-efficiency pumps, which means they can operate at the same capacity without using too much energy. Overall, it is a great way to reduce energy consumption while managing inflow and infiltration. 

Remote Monitoring 

Remote monitoring will allow us to gain visibility into system performance. Overall, this is a great way to see inside the system and ensure that everything is working appropriately. 

Benefits of Modern Pumping Solutions for I&I Management 

There are many benefits of using modern pumping solutions for I&I management, especially when we consider the key features that make them a good choice. Here is a list of the benefits we can expect when using modern pumping solutions to combat inflow and infiltration: 

• Improved efficiency throughout the wastewater system 
• Reduced risk of overflows due to the excess water
• Energy efficiency resulting in energy savings
• An extended lifespan and longevity of the equipment used 
• Lower maintenance costs long-term
• Better compliance with regulations 

The Future of Inflow and Infiltration Management 

Inflow and infiltration, or I&I, is a common problem within the wastewater industry, which is why it’s crucial to find a better way to manage it. Our current management setup isn’t ideal for being proactive and getting ahead of the problem, which is where modern pumping solutions come in. Modern pumping solutions offer a variety of key features that provide a range of benefits for I&I management. It is the future of I&I management, and we can expect it to be implemented across wastewater systems nationwide. 

Wastewater treatment is an important part of our everyday lives, but there is a need for change as contaminants evolve and new ones emerge. For example, PFAS, or forever chemicals, are new contaminants that we must consider when operating a wastewater treatment facility. Forever chemicals, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals are examples of emerging contaminants that must be considered, especially because current treatment systems weren’t designed to address them. Let’s discuss how to manage these emerging contaminants with advanced treatment equipment and what this could look like for the future of wastewater treatment facilities. 

What Are PFAS and Why Do They Matter?

PFAS, or forever chemicals, are emerging contaminants found in a variety of areas, including our water systems. They are called “forever chemicals” because they seem to persist for a long time, thanks to their very stable chemical structures. Typically, if there is a trace of PFAS, there is a larger amount in the area, as they are usually present in groups and at very low concentrations. PFAS can come from a variety of sources, many of which are unknown, but common sources include firefighting foam, landfills, industrial discharges, and biosolids or effluent. Managing PFAS has become a priority for many industries since their discovery, including the wastewater industry, because of their negative effects on humans.

What is Considered an “Emerging Contaminant”? 

When we think about emerging contaminants, we’re referring to contaminants that weren’t always present but are being discovered more frequently. Microplastics are among the most well-known contaminants in this sector, and they have been discovered in a variety of areas, raising concerns about their prevalence. These emerging contaminants are difficult to track and regulate because they are often found at low concentrations, meaning there are not many in any given area. Yet, they can have a significant effect on humans even at low levels. Regulating these contaminants would be ideal, but it’s quite challenging, as their effects are not fully known and can change over time. 

How Regulations for Emerging Contaminants are Evolving 

Regulations are changing as the discovery of emerging contaminants continues, and agencies are trying to respond to the increasing public concern. One of the biggest changes we will see across the industry is the shift from viewing these contaminants as a broad category to viewing them specifically. For example, PFAS were initially identified as a few specific larger compounds, but there is now growing recognition of different types of PFAS and PFAS mixtures. In the future, we expect lower limits on what is allowed in water or other areas as detection methods continue to improve. Given that many of these contaminants can be present at low concentrations, it will be crucial to determine their effects on humans and the environment, even at low levels. Routine testing, advanced treatment ideas, long-term treatment budgets, and increased tracking will all be a part of what this looks like in the future and how industries will respond to the increase in these contaminants. 

How Advanced Equipment Will Set the Stage in the Future 

Advanced treatment equipment is something we can expect to see more of as these emerging contaminants are discovered. “Advanced treatment equipment” refers to any equipment added beyond the primary and secondary equipment we typically see. They are typically added to help remove wastewater contaminants that the typical process doesn’t capture. Because PFAS and other contaminants are often dissolved, chemically stable, and able to pass through treatment processes, it is critical to have additional equipment specifically designed to handle them. 

What Makes this Equipment Advanced? 

When we talk about advanced treatment equipment, it usually has characteristics that are not present in typical equipment. You can expect this equipment to remove contaminants at a molecular level, which is important because some contaminants are dissolved or too small to pick up with traditional equipment. It will also target material that traditional equipment isn’t built for, such as pathogen control. When considering advanced equipment, it’s vital to note that it will require specialized design and monitoring including operator training, lab testing, and performance monitoring. 

Types of Advanced Equipment for Wastewater Treatment Equipment 

Multiple types of advanced equipment can be added to your wastewater treatment facility. Advanced equipment is a great way to ensure you can manage the emerging contaminants we are increasingly seeing, such as PFAS, while maintaining your system setup. Here are some of the most common ones and how they help: 

Granular Activated Carbon Systems 

These systems will remove contaminants through adsorption, in which contaminants stick to the carbon surface. This is ideal for dissolved or too-small chemicals and contaminants that traditional equipment cannot pick up. This system also removes low-concentration materials, making it ideal for PFAS and organic micropollutants. 

Ion Exchange Systems 

Ion exchange systems are vessels filled with resin beads that attract and hold contaminants. It’s an effective system for removing specific PFAs, especially those present in drinking water. 

Membrane Filtration Systems 

This system type includes three different treatments: nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultrafiltration. It works by physically separating the dissolved contaminants from the water using pressure-operated filtration. 

Advanced Oxidation Processes 

Advanced oxidation processes, or AOP, work by breaking down organic contaminants by creating powerful oxidants. It’s best for pharmaceuticals, industrial organics, and taste-and-odor compounds. 

How to Choose Advanced Equipment for Your System 

Choosing an advanced piece of equipment means considering many factors to ensure you select a system that fits your needs. For example, you’ll want to match your equipment to where the contaminated water is and where the contaminant lives. PFAS in drinking water systems will be treated differently from wastewater systems, pretreatment, or landfill treatment centers. A one-size-fits-all solution won’t work in this situation, and it’s important to have clear goals to ensure you can choose equipment that maximizes efficiency and brings the most benefit. 

When you are ready to implement the equipment in your facility, you can start testing and profiling your water to identify contaminants. Pilot programs are a great way to test out the equipment to ensure it’s the right fit for you before fully committing to an installation. Working with a professional who is experienced in treatment equipment can help you choose the best option for your facility. 

Prepare Your Facility for the Future 

Get ahead and prepare your facility for the emerging contaminants we’ve already identified and will continue to identify. Investing in advanced equipment is a proactive way to enhance your removal process before regulations and expectations for eliminating these contaminants take full effect. If you are looking to invest in advanced treatment equipment, contact us at Lakeside Equipment, and we will help you find the most effective piece of equipment for your facility. 

Pump and valve selection is one of the most important parts of handling high-solids waste streams. Using the wrong valve and pump combo can lead to a variety of issues, such as frequent clogging, excessive wear, and high energy consumption. As a wastewater treatment facility, it is crucial to ensure you have all the necessary components to optimize performance and efficiency. We’re going to dive into how you can optimize pump and valve selection for streams that contain abrasive materials and high solids. 

What are “Abrasive” and “High-Solids” Waste Streams? 

When it comes to wastewater, there are many types, each containing different materials and solids. The type of building you are in will determine the types of waste in the water. These types of waste streams can be found in municipal and industrial environments and often include wastewater grit and screenings, food processing waste, mining waste, pump waste, and sludge. With this type of waste, there is concern about equipment performance due to the presence of solids in the water. The shape and size of the solids, solids concentration, specific gravity, and viscosity are all characteristics that will affect equipment performance. These types of solids can cause greater wear and tear, so they should be considered when choosing a pump and valve for your specific wastewater concentration. 

Challenges in Abrasive and High-Solids Systems 

As we stated, there is concern about additional wear and tear on equipment that handles high-solids, abrasive water. There are a few key challenges that can arise when dealing with these systems and high-solids content. 

Excessive Wear and Tear 

We’ve touched on this previously, but excessive wear and tear is a key challenge that can arise if you have a wastewater treatment facility with abrasive, high-solids content later. Erosion of pump components, valve damage, and seal damage are specific issues that can occur due to excessive wear and tear. 

Clogging Issues 

Solids, especially abrasive or large solids, are hard on the systems and can potentially jam impellers and valve openings. It can also cause buildup inside the valve bodies, leading to a multitude of issues. If wastewater treatment systems are unable to remove particles efficiently due to their size, material, or amount, this can lead to clogging and further problems for the system. 

Loss of Efficiency 

Performance is important for wastewater treatment systems, especially given their critical role. Systems that handle high-solids can experience reduced performance over time and higher energy costs. Efficiency is crucial, so having the right pump and valve system for your facility ensures it runs as efficiently as possible. 

Increased Maintenance 

Maintenance and downtime are something that many facilities should do everything they can to avoid. Downtime and maintenance mean that systems are not running, which can be costly, especially if it requires an emergency shutdown. Additionally, frequent maintenance can be costly, impractical, and inconvenient for a facility trying to maintain its operations. 

How to Choose the Right Pump

Firstly, let’s explore how to choose the right pump and what to consider for an abrasive, high-solids system. Selecting your pump type is a crucial step in this process to ensure you choose a pump that meets your system’s needs. Here is a look at some of the different types of pumps: 

Non-clog centrifugal pumps: These are best suited for high flow and fast-moving volume. It is also best for solids that are not thick or paste-like, but more rough and abrasive. It is also ideal if your current system frequently clogs or if you are dealing with municipal wastewater. 

Rotary lobe pumps: This type of pump is more “sensitive,” meaning it’s gentler with solids, leading to less grinding and less damage. It’s best if you have solids that are large, but not gritty. 

Peristaltic pumps: If you are dealing with highly abrasive materials and need reliable pumping, this is the best choice. It’s ideal for pumping sludge, lime slurry, and polymer, among other materials. 

Progressive cavity pumps: These pumps are ideal for pumping wastewater with thick, high-solids sludge and for maintaining a constant flow. It’s best for sludge, biosolids, and thick industrial waste, as it doesn’t lose flow stability and efficiently pumps solids. 

Recessed impeller pumps: These pumps are ideal for solids that include stringy, fibrous materials or for applications with a high risk of clogging. The impeller is away from the flow path, minimizing contact with solids. 

Pump Material Matters

The material of the pump is important, as it can make or break its efficiency. You’ll want a pump with wear-resistant materials, such as iron, stainless steel, or ceramic coatings. It’s crucial to choose a material that best suits your abrasive severity, ensuring you don’t experience any unnecessary wear and tear. 

Consider the Seal and Bearing 

The pump itself isn’t the only component that you need to consider. Seals can often fail in environments with abrasive materials. The different seal options include mechanical, packed, and cartridge seals. Choose a seal that is ideal for your wastewater consistency and ensure that it will maintain efficiency. 

How to Choose a Valve 

Valve types are another key component of your wastewater treatment facility, and it is important to understand which types are available and which might be ideal for your specific wastewater needs. Here are the different valve types that you can choose from: 

Plug valves: Ideal if you need a valve that can handle solids efficiently without clogging. If your system comes in contact with sludge, grit, and thick wastewater, this valve is ideal for your situation. 

Knife gate valves: Facilities that handle sludge, biosolids, and high-solids flows that require on/off isolation can benefit from this valve type. 

Ball valves: Ball valves can be an option for wastewater treatment facilities that don’t have thick waste streams and instead handle small, non-abrasive, non-fibrous solids. 

Pinch valves: Pinch valves are ideal if your waste stream contains abrasive, gritty, or corrosive materials, or if it is thick. It has almost no clogging risk and a straight-through flow path, making it ideal for this type of material. 

Check valves: If you need to prevent backflow in pumping stations, industrial slurry lines, or sludge lines, a check valve is ideal. It also protects the pump and equipment, extending their lifespan. 

Abrasion Resistance in Valves 

Abrasion resistance is important for valves as well, so choosing a material that can withstand abrasive materials is key. For example, hardened seats and trims, coated internals, and rubber-lined options are all ways to protect your valve when dealing with abrasive materials. 

Selecting a Pump and Valve for Maximum Performance 

When choosing a pump and a valve, select them as a system or set, not as individual components. Treating them as a set ensures maximum system performance and seamless operation. You’ll want to match the flow rate, solids-handling requirements, and pressure. Some common challenges that arise when choosing a pump and valve to work together are: 

• Choosing a pump that handles solids well, but a valve that doesn’t. This will result in clogging and other issues, as the valve will not be able to operate if it cannot handle the solids passing through. 
• Inconsistent flow caused by a mismatched valve and pump. This inconsistency could cause surges, which can result in many other performance issues. 
• Pump strain due to valve restrictions, which is due to the valve not being ideal for the wastewater, and the pump working in overdrive to compensate. 

These are just a few of the potential challenges that could arise, underscoring the need to choose a valve and pump that work efficiently together. 

Choosing a Pump and Valve for Your High-Solids System 

The pump and valve in a wastewater treatment system are two of the most important components, so it is extremely important to choose them wisely. Consider your system needs, solids content, material type, and wastewater type to choose a system that works best. If you aren’t sure which pump or valve is ideal for your specific treatment facility, contact us at Lakeside Equipment, and we will help you choose components that maximize efficiency for your specific facility. 

Wastewater bar screens are a vital part of wastewater treatment facilities and are highly efficient. Bar screens are used to remove larger solids and debris from the water before it’s moved to the downstream equipment. Because it plays a crucial role in your plant’s overall efficiency, it’s important to ensure it is up to date with upgrades and maintenance to keep plant efficiency at a maximum and maintain good downstream equipment performance. Bar screen upgrades can be overlooked, but they are impactful investments that should be considered if you are looking to get the most out of your facility. Let’s explore more about when to upgrade your wastewater bar screen and how you can improve plant efficiency by doing so.

What Do Bar Screens Do in Wastewater Treatment Facilities?

As we mentioned, bar screens are an important part of wastewater treatment facilities, and they must be kept up to date to achieve maximum performance. Bar screens are used to remove large debris from wastewater before it flows downstream. Typically, they will remove materials such as wood, plastics, wipes, rags, and food waste found inside water. Bar screens protect downstream equipment, such as pumps, grit removal, and clarifiers, by removing larger debris that could cause problems early. They are crucial for maintaining consistent hydraulic flow throughout the treatment plant. For a wastewater plant to run at full efficiency, bar screens must be maintained, cleaned, and upgraded to perform optimally.

When Should You Upgrade Your Bar Screen?

You should be mindful of your bar screen and its performance to ensure your equipment is running as well as possible. With that said, there are a few signs you can watch for that may indicate it’s time to upgrade your bar screen. Here are some of the common signs that an upgrade is in your future:

Increase in Maintenance Needs

If you notice you need maintenance more frequently, it could be a sign that you need to upgrade your bar screen. For example, if you have frequent clogging or need to manually clean it more frequently, then these are signs that an upgrade may be in the future.

Screen Efficiency Reduction

Your screen should be running efficiently by working properly and maintaining a consistent workload. One of the most common signs of reduced screen efficiency is debris passing through the screen. This is a sure sign that something is off and you are not getting the most effective work from your bar screen. Other signs include inconsistent removal, odor, or aesthetic issues at the headworks. Your screen needs to work efficiently to maintain your workload and ensure wastewater is properly cleaned.

Flow Changes

Facilities often have flow or capacity changes, meaning the plant might expand, there is population growth, or there are inflow and infiltration issues. Simply put, if your screen is no longer sized correctly for your current or peak flows, then it’s time to upgrade to something more fitting.

Rise in Operational Costs

Typically, facilities have the same operational costs, so if you notice an increase in these costs, it can be a sign that something is wrong. Increased energy consumption, greater wear and tear, and rising repair and replacement costs can all signal higher operational costs.

What Happens if You Operate With an Outdated Bar Screen?

Using an outdated bar screen can cause various issues for your plant, making it crucial to stay on top of upgrades to keep it running efficiently. Here are a few risks that come with working with an outdated bar screen:

Negative Impact on Downstream Equipment

Downstream equipment, such as pumps or grit removal systems, is crucial for your overall wastewater facility. That said, not having an upgraded bar screen can allow debris to pass through and reach that downstream area. As a result, the escaped debris can harm downstream equipment, exacerbating the problem.

Regulatory Concerns

With a bar screen that isn’t working properly, you can have more escaped debris and a facility that isn’t working as efficiently. This can be a cause for concern when it comes to regulatory and compliance needs, as these regulations often include the efficiency and sanitation of your equipment/facility.

Safety Risks

Manual cleaning can pose safety risks, so it’s important to maintain equipment to keep manual cleaning to a minimum. Manual cleaning can be effective, but it can also be dangerous, which is why it’s important to keep your equipment up and running to reduce the need for manual cleaning.

Risk of Shutdowns

Equipment issues can cause a risk of shutdowns especially when it comes to your bar screen. Shutdowns can occur if increased maintenance is required, leaving the facility inoperable during the maintenance.

What to Consider Before Upgrading Your Bar Screen

If you are considering upgrading your bar screens, it might be helpful to know when it is best to do so. One thing to consider is the downtime required to upgrade the car screen, which makes it essential to do the upgrades during planned expansions or plant upgrades. Consider your maintenance costs and how they compare to replacement costs. When you are spending more on maintenance than on replacements, it is a sign you should consider a bar screen upgrade. Lastly, a long-term asset management strategy is key to understanding where bar screen upgrades fit. If you are already looking to make changes within your plant, it is beneficial to consider bar screen upgrades as part of those changes.

Lakeside Equipment for Bar Screen Upgrades

Wastewater treatment facilities that have experienced any of the common signs indicating a need for a bar screen upgrade should look into it. If you are experiencing common challenges or feel it might be time for an upgrade, contact us at Lakeside Equipment. We have worked for decades in the wastewater treatment industry and we are knowledgeable about what treatment facilities need and what will benefit their facility. Let’s put together a plan for your upgrade and determine how it can improve the efficiency and overall reliability of your wastewater treatment facility.

Archimedes screw pumps are emerging as a trend for wastewater facilities as we enter 2026. These specific pumps differ from regular wastewater pumps because they can move more than just water. They are built to move sludge, grain, and other fluid materials through the pump. In 2026, factors such as climate change, extreme weather, regulations, and aging infrastructure are putting pressure on the industry to adopt Archimedes screw pumps. We’re going to showcase some of the technology trends that will shape Archimedes screw pumps in 2026. 

Energy Efficiency Focus and Innovations 

There is already pressure to be energy efficient and ensure that the parts of your working system are as efficient as possible. Energy use has been a proven focus for many industries worldwide, including the wastewater industry. The use of high-efficiency gear drives and lower-speed motors, as well as an increase in facilities using variable-frequency drives, are all potential changes we can expect this year. In 2026, the key driver of purchasing decisions is energy efficiency. The difference between your wastewater treatment facility and a competitor could be the energy efficiency, making it vital to implement sustainability and energy-friendly initiatives into your facility in 2026. 

The Use of Materials Designed for Longevity 

A wastewater treatment facility is a harsh environment, making material selection a vital factor in how long your Archimedes screw pump will last and how it responds to the environment. Corrosion-resistant materials are essential for facilities due to the water exposure, making stainless steel a common choice for pumps. Special coatings and enhanced protection can be used in areas that might be exposed to debris, grit, and solids that can be extra abrasive on the equipment. 

Using special coatings or corrosion-resistant materials reduces wear and tear, extending your pump’s lifespan. Archimedes screw pumps should be maintained properly and with the utmost care, as they must run 24/7 without interruption or downtime. 

Sensors and Smart Monitoring 

When it comes to equipment and technology, we are seeing increased use of sensors and smart technology to minimize human interference and streamline processes. Archimedes’ crew can see an increased usage of smart monitoring technology and sensors. For example, sensors can monitor flow rate, vibration, torque, and temperature in real time. Smart monitoring will also become more prevalent in Archimedes screw pumps, as predictive maintenance will be a widely used capability. Predictive maintenance can detect misalignment, abnormal load conditions, and wear and tear. Predictive maintenance prevents downtime and reduces maintenance costs. It will also eliminate the need for staff to monitor the pump as often, allowing labor to be cut in those areas and transferred elsewhere. 

Design Optimization 

The design of Archimedes screw pumps is going to see some changes this year,r as many facilities are looking for higher-capacity pumps with compact installations. Having a company design is something many facilities are looking to implement, especially in space-constrained facilities. A high-capacity screw pump is crucial, but it’s also important to achieve this without expanding their carbon footprint. Optimizing these screw pumps will continue to seek greater efficiency, improved equipment setups, and increased performance. 

Enhanced Customization 

One of the bigger changes we can expect across the board is the shift away from one-size-fits-all pump designs that we often see nowadays. There will be an increased need for customized screw pumps tailored to the types of solids, flow variability, and site changes or constraints. These custom pumps will come mainly from partnerships between manufacturers and facility designers. When it comes to improving reliability and performance, having a custom pump is one of the best ways to ensure your facility operates at full capacity and with maximum efficiency. 

Archimedes Screw Pump Technology After 2026 

Archimedes screw pumps are going to see quite a few changes this year and beyond. With technology at the forefront of everything we do, Archimedes’ screw pumps can be enhanced with digital intelligence. Smart technology will be a driving factor in what these screw pumps can do and how they operate. We will see the continued use of open-channel designs with few moving parts, the integration of sensors and smart monitoring, and the role of digital tools becoming more prominent. 

Preparing for the Future of Archimedes Screw Pumps 

When we look to the future of Archimedes screw pumps, there is a lot to be excited about for what they will look like in 2026. These pumps will become more efficient, effective, and overall smarter as we expect the implementation of smart monitoring, smart technology, and sensors, among other enhancements. As a wastewater treatment facility preparing for the future of Archimedes pumps, it’s crucial to understand your goals and needs, as well as which characteristics will optimize your specific pump. After understanding your needs, building a custom pump option is a great way to implement all of these top technology enhancements we can expect to see within the next year. 

Partner with Lakeside Equipment 

If you are a wastewater treatment facility looking into the top trends for Archimedes screw pumps, it’s important to consider all the possibilities for the future of these pumps. Working with a trusted manufacturer, like Lakeside Equipment, will ensure you get the best from your pump. Contact Lakeside Equipment to build a custom design that is efficient, smart, and reliable for your specific pump needs. Get ready for 2026 with an enhanced Archimedes screw pump that you can count on. 

In wastewater treatment facilities, screening is an integral part of the process, particularly for sludge handling. It removes grit, plastics, and other debris before the sludge moves downstream for disposal. When screening is poor, the consequences can be highly disruptive to the process and even financially costly. Poor screening will lead to operational issues and deficiencies in wastewater treatment sludge screening.

What Does Poor Screening Mean?

Poor screening occurs when screening is defective or improperly designed, resulting in a range of issues in wastewater treatment operations. Poor screening can result from a variety of different things, including:

• Inadequate screening openings

• Screens that aren’t designed to handle fluctuating flows or the specific debris loads

• Undersized or incorrect screens for the job

• Damaged or poorly maintained screening equipment

Although some of these inefficiencies might seem minuscule, they can cause significant issues that propagate throughout the system. This can lead to costly problems and operational issues that could negatively impact your wastewater treatment facility.

The Cost of Poor Screening in Sludge Handling Systems

When assessing the cost of poor screening in sludge-handling systems, several factors must be considered. Poor screening affects multiple areas of your wastewater treatment operations, taking a heavy toll on the facility as a whole and resulting in costly outcomes. Here is a breakdown of why poor screening in sludge handling systems can be so expensive:

Equipment Wear and Tear

Unscreened debris can travel downstream and damage pumps, impellers, conveyors, valves, piping, and dewatering equipment. This ultimately will increase the damage and wear and tear to your equipment, causing increased maintenance or replacements as a result.

Maintenance and Labor Cost Increase

Facilities with poor screening can experience a range of issues that negatively affect the entire facility. It can cause more clogs, more emergency callouts, increased manual cleaning, high labor hours, and more emergency maintenance instead of planned maintenance, stunting operations. Labor, overtime, and maintenance costs add up quickly, especially when they are frequent.

Reduces Operational Efficiency

Debris in the sludge can cause inefficiency in downstream processes, resulting in increased energy usage, high polymer consumption, and lower solids capture rates. For operations, efficiency is essential, and these issues will result in lower efficiency and a higher cost per ton of sludge.

Increased Disposal

Poorly screened sludge contains more water and contaminants, which can lead to higher loads, more hauling, and higher landfill or disposal fees. Even a slight increase in sludge volume can significantly impact your disposal and annual budgets.

Health and Safety Risks

Poor screening leads to more manual removal, which is dangerous and can pose health risks to workers. This can expose workers to pathogens and cause them to slip, trip, or fall during manual removal. Avoid these health and safety risks by investing in proper screening to avoid manual removal at all costs.

Regulatory or Compliance Risks

In wastewater treatment facilities, a variety of compliance requirements must be met, and without proper screening, risks include permit violations, odor issues, equipment failures, and even environmental incidents. Non-compliance with these regulations due to inadequate screening can result in penalties, audits, and even legal action.

The Long-Term Financial Impact of Poor Screening

We’ve outlined several reasons why poor screening can be costly, but it’s important to note that these costs aren’t one-time. Many of these factors can have long-term financial impacts on the entire facility. At times, it might seem more convenient to forgo investing in adequate screening equipment to save money, but the consequences could be detrimental to your business. It is much more effective to invest in your sludge-handling screening ahead of time to avoid frequent maintenance, compliance, and emergency repair costs. Modern screening solutions can enable proactive investment rather than reactive spending. Think about proper screening as financial risk management that isn’t just an operational choice, but can set your finances up for success throughout the future of your facility’s lifespan.

How to Choose the Right Screen for Sludge Handling

There are a few steps you can take to help choose the proper screen for your wastewater treatment facility, ensuring you are selecting the right option for your facility.

Step 1: Match the screen type to the sludge characteristics.

Sludge characteristics vary by location, so selecting the appropriate screen type for your area will maximize efficiency.

Step 2: Ensure the screen size and placement are ideal for your facility.

For sludge-handling systems, a range of sizes and placements must be considered to ensure the screen performs its intended function.

Step 3: Implement routine inspections and maintenance to ensure that your screen is always properly checked.

This helps stay on top of maintenance and potential issues to keep the screen working effectively.

Step 4: Consider automation for monitoring to improve performance and even predictive maintenance.

This can reduce labor in that area and maintain efficiency.

Investing in Proper Screening for Your Wastewater Facility

Proper screening is essential for wastewater facilities, and it’s crucial to maintain screening to avoid costly issues. Having proper screening will help protect your downstream equipment, improve system reliability, and enhance safety and compliance, among other benefits. With poor screening, a variety of issues we’ve outlined above can become costly in the long run. To stay compliant and avoid ecologically risky situations in your facility, investing in adequate screening for Sludge-handling systems is essential. Visit our website at Lakeside Equipment to learn more about what we offer, and contact us to schedule a consultation on screening options that are right for your specific wastewater treatment facility.

Biological treatment systems are a crucial component of modern wastewater treatment facilities and typically rely on natural microorganisms to degrade organic pollutants in the water. Because these are naturally occurring microorganisms, they can be affected by temperature changes, which will, in turn, affect their performance. This is an overlooked aspect of wastewater treatment, and it should be considered by more people, especially during seasonal changes and extreme temperature fluctuations, such as sudden rises or drops. We will examine how temperature shifts affect biological treatment efficiency and why this is important to understand for wastewater treatment facilities.

What Are Biological Treatment Systems?

Biological treatment systems use natural microorganisms to break down pollutants in water, such as bacteria, and convert them into less harmful byproducts. They are more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable than other alternatives. Examples of biological systems include activated sludge systems, trickling filters, moving-bed biofilm reactors, and anaerobic digesters. Wastewater enters the system, and the microorganisms are exposed to the waste, and the bacteria metabolize the organic compounds. Solids are then settled or filtered out, and the clarified water proceeds to the disinfection stage.

Role of Temperature in Biological Treatment

Temperature plays a significant role in the performance of biological treatment systems because they rely on the natural production of microorganisms to break down organic matter. When it comes to temperature shifts, even small shifts can make a significant difference in treatment efficiency, reliability, and regulatory compliance. Warmer temperatures typically increase microbial activity, leading to faster treatment rates and greater efficiency, whereas colder temperatures slow microbial metabolism, reducing treatment efficiency.

Bacteria in Biological Treatment

Mesophilic bacteria are the most common type that uses biological treatments and thrive between 68 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Psychrophilic bacteria are cold-adapted and thrive at temperatures below 68 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas thermophilic bacteria thrive at temperatures above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. If bacteria are at temperatures below their ideal temperature, this can result in reduced microbial activity, longer treatment times, poor nitrification, and increased sludge production. If bacteria are exposed to temperatures above the optimal temperature, this can lead to oxygen depletion, microbial stress, and odor problems.

Temperature Shifts

Rapid temperature changes can pose a greater risk, making it essential to pay attention to intense fluctuations rather than gradual shifts, as we usually see with seasonal changes. These intense fluctuations will induce biological shock, making it impossible for microbial populations to adjust to temperature shifts and causing further damage. This can result in loss of treatment efficiency, sludge bulking or washout, and odor complaints.

Why is Temperature Control Essential for Efficiency?

Temperature control plays a crucial role in biological treatments; without temperature control, numerous adverse effects on the system can affect its long-term efficiency. It’s vital to maintain stable microbial populations to ensure proper performance and consistent treatment outcomes. Monitoring temperature changes can extend equipment lifespan by maintaining efficiency and preventing adverse effects from temperature fluctuations. Ultimately, temperature control will also keep your facility in compliance, since the bacteria will still perform to standard. Without the bacteria performing at full efficiency, your biologic treatment facility will not be able to operate effectively, will drop its standards, and will become noncompliant, facing violations.

How to Manage Temperatures in Biological Aeration Systems

If you have a biological treatment system, it is essential to understand how to manage temperatures and monitor fluctuations that may adversely affect your treatment facilities. It can be pretty simple to maintain the temperature and stay on top of these changes as long as you have the right resources to do so.

• Maintain insulation on tanks and piping at all times, and be sure to check frequently that they are up to standard

• Use flow equalization to reduce temperature swings

• Adjust retention times during the colder months to ensure that your treatment facility is staying efficient

• It implements supplemental heating in anaerobic systems to keep them working efficiently during temperature shifts

• Implement equipment that is specifically designed for temperature resilience li, like specialized aeration

Work With Lakeside Equipment to Stay Efficient During Temperature Changes

At Lakeside Equipment, we work with wastewater treatment facilities to implement the most efficient equipment for their particular needs. We have experience with wastewater treatment facilities and fully understand the importance of temperature control in biological treatment systems. Temperature can heavily affect the biological treatment system and the effectiveness of the system as a whole, which is why fluctuations should be paid attention to and ultimately taken into consideration, especially in intense climates. We have a variety of equipment used for different systems that will help you monitor temperature changes and keep things more in line with the temperature your particular bacteria need to be at to do their job correctly. If you’re looking to stay on top of temperature fluctuations amid seasonal changes, contact us, and we will recommend equipment that’s best for your particular facility needs.

Grit accumulation in wastewater treatment systems can cause wear and tear, impacting industrial and municipal systems heavily. This can cause operational inefficiencies, higher long-term maintenance costs, and difficult-to-manage equipment wear and tear. Grit refers to a variety of sources, such as sand, coffee grounds, silt, or minerals in the water. If grit accumulation isn’t managed, it can cause issues such as pump failure, mechanical part abrasion, and clogged channels that reduce flow. Modern grit collectors are crucial for improving equipment longevity and reducing overall maintenance costs. We’re going to look into the precise effects grit collectors have on equipment and why they are essential in your facility. 

What is Grit and How Does it Affect System Performance?

We touched on what grit is, which includes a variety of materials such as sand, silt, and minerals. Grit is typically abrasive and dense, which makes it easily capable of damaging machinery compared to organic solids, making it essential to have something in place to combat it in wastewater. Grit can cause significant damage over time if it is not filtered from the water, degrading the system and leading to failure. Because of the unique makeup of grit, compared to organic materials, including the fact that it can vary in size, it’s pretty dense, and it can have a rough edge, all of which will contribute to the potential adverse effects on the machinery. 

Overview of Modern Grit Collectors 

There are many types of modern grit collectors, each using different methods to remove grit. Modern advancements have significantly increased their effectiveness at grit removal, due to increased grit from urbanization and higher levels of inorganic solids. We’re going to give a brief overview of a few of the most common types of modern grit collectors so you can get an idea of what they do. 

Aerated Grit Chambers 

This is one of the most popular modern grit collectors used in municipal wastewater treatment facilities, and they include controlled airflow that creates a spiral motion that keeps organic matter at the top and drops the grit to the bottom. 

Vortex Grit Chambers

This kind of grit collector uses circular motion in a cylindrical tank, creating a vortex that forces the grit particles toward the center or the outer edges. There are two versions of this: a forced vortex, which uses mechanical paddles, and a free vortex, which uses a hydraulic design. 

Multi-Tray Grit Collectors 

This grit collector uses stacked trays where the influent water flows down. As it cascades, the velocity and direction change, causing the grit to settle. This particular system will also typically remove fine and ultra-fine grit that other systems might miss. 

Hydrocyclonic Grit Collectors 

This system uses high-velocity rotation inside a conical chamber to create a force that pulls the grit apart. This particular grit collector has a high grit-removal efficiency and no moving internal parts. 

How Modern Grit Collectors Improve Equipment Longevity 

These modern grit collectors provide mechanical and operational benefits that help to improve equipment longevity. It will reduce abrasion on pumps, valves, and pipelines, thereby causing less damage to the machinery’s internal workings. They also prevent grit accumulation in channels, basins, and aeration tanks, thereby preventing damage to the system’s internal workings. With reduced grit infiltration, there is improved sludge quality, reduced digester volume, and lower mechanical component wear. All of this significantly extends the lifespan of most facility machines. 

How Modern Grit Collectors Reduce Maintenance Costs

Due to improvements in equipment longevity, maintenance costs are also reduced. Your machines will experience less wear and tear, resulting in the system lasting longer without maintenance, since there are fewer issues with the machinery. Equipment replacement, emergency shutdowns, repairs, and rebuilds are all reduced by the grit-removal process. As a result, budgets will reflect stabilization, and the budget will be easier to predict without the addition of extra maintenance and replacements to the machinery. 

What to Consider When Upgrading to a Modern Grit Collector

If you are contemplating upgrading to a modern grit collector, it’s best to consider everything so that you are best prepared for what to expect and how to prepare your team for the change. Here’s a list of things you should consider when upgrading to a modern grit collector: 

• Lifecycle cost analysis and up-front cost evaluation of the upgrade
• Selection of a system that is efficient for your particular facility 
• Pilot test for your unique wastewater characteristics to ensure your choice is efficient
• Assess your hydraulic profile and plant layout to take into consideration 
• Look into your peak and minimum flow rates before choosing a system 

Invest in Long-Term Wastewater Treatment Facility Health

Upgrading to a modern grit collector can benefit your business, especially by extending the longevity of your equipment and reducing maintenance costs. Maintenance and equipment lifespan are two of the most crucial factors for your equipment and the bottlenecks your facility will face. There are many different grit collectors to choose from, but we recommend making your decision after you’ve considered all the factors in our previous section. Knowing what is efficient for your facility and choosing a grit collector that’ll make the most significant difference is key to an effective upgrade. If you are looking for a reliable company to supply you with a modern grit collector that’s right for your facility, contact us at Lakeside Equipment for a consultation.