Unit 8: Waste ManagementSection 2: Wastewater Treatment

Where does wastewater come from?

Gray Water

•Some areas allow the use of gray water for watering plants and lawns•Gray water is wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundry that may be high in phosphate content (from soaps)

Septic Systems•Used in rural areas

Wastewater Treatment Process

Bacteria are aerated and break down most organic waste

Filters and tanks remove large particles and allow them to settle

Dumped into local waterway

Wastewater Treatment Plant

Wetlands as Wastewater Treatment

•Wetlands = natural wastewater treatment plants• Artificial wetlands - constructed

along coasts to aid in wastewater treatment (partially processed sewage pumped into wetlands)• Effluent has increased nutrients

which help marsh grasses grow, increasing size and strength of wetlands!!!