Organic debris falling into wastewater is a common problem, but with autumn rolling around, this debris will increase. As the weather cools, leaves fall from trees, and we can often find more twigs, leaves, and other organic material in wastewater, which can make keeping wastewater clean more difficult. We’re going to take a look at why autumn brings more organic debris and how your wastewater facility can prepare for and combat this common issue this season.
Why Does Autumn Bring More Organic Debris?
Organic debris is classified as anything that occurs naturally and can fall or make its way into the wastewater system. In autumn, temperatures cool and leaves begin to fall, which increases the amount of leaves entering 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
Specific wastewater treatment challenges arise in the autumn season, but knowing these challenges can help you prepare and manage them more efficiently. Let’s look at some of the challenges commonly seen during this season.
Higher Risk of Clogging: You may experience an increased risk of clogging in pumps, screens, and other equipment due to the larger amount of debris entering the wastewater.
Increased Strain on Equipment: With more debris, equipment like grit removal and screening systems works harder, increasing strain and potential wear.
Greater Potential for Upkeep Problems: Odors, blockages, and operational slowdowns may occur more frequently because of the increased debris and extra workload on your equipment. Addressing these problems quickly is essential to maintain efficiency.
How to Manage Increased Debris in the Autumn Season
Understanding these common challenges is the first step. Having a plan in place can help reduce downtime and maintain efficiency.
Pump Station Protection
Pumps can take a heavy hit from debris. You can protect your pump station by keeping leaves, rags, and other materials out to avoid damage. Use proper screening to minimize downtime and maintain efficiency.
Enhanced Screening and Grit Removal
Screening and grit removal are both important parts of wastewater treatment, especially in autumn. Regular inspection and maintenance ensure problems are identified and addressed promptly. Issues with screening or grit removal can cause downtime and inefficiency, which proper maintenance can prevent.
Preventative Maintenance
Don’t wait for issues to arise. Use preventative maintenance to identify and fix potential problems before they cause future issues. This can include inspections before autumn and adjusting cleaning schedules to account for the increase in debris.
Educate the Community
Inform the community about the potential issues caused by increased autumn debris. Encourage proper disposal of leaves and yard waste to reduce debris entering the system. This helps keep the community involved and supports wastewater management efforts.
Lakeside Equipment’s Advanced Equipment Solutions
At Lakeside Equipment, we offer solutions to help you prepare for increased debris in autumn and maintain efficient wastewater management. Our advanced grit removal, screening, and solids handling equipment can handle higher debris volumes. Low-maintenance systems improve workflow during peak debris periods, providing benefits such as reduced downtime, less maintenance, improved efficiency, and environmental advantages. Investing in advanced equipment now ensures your wastewater management systems remain reliable and efficient.
Getting Prepared for the Autumn Season
Wastewater treatment facilities can see a significant increase in workload during autumn. To stay ahead, inspect your systems before autumn is in full swing to ensure equipment is functioning properly. Consider upgrading to advanced equipment to handle the increased workload and avoid potential issues. Review your equipment readiness, and if you are looking to upgrade, contact us at Lakeside Equipment to install our top-of-the-line solutions before the autumn season, keeping your facility running smoothly.
