The Truth About Drinking Treated Sewage Water: An In-Depth Analysis

Water has been recycled since the beginning of time, and this includes the water that makes its way through wastewater treatment plants. You've probably drunk treated sewage water without even realizing it. While the image might be unpleasant, the reality is that wastewater treatment facilities play a crucial role in keeping our water supply clean and safe.

Wastewater Treatment and Its Benefits

Wastewater treatment plants are highly regulated and designed to clean water to the point where it can safely be reused or released into natural water bodies. The treated water is carefully filtered and purified to ensure that any contaminants are removed before it is reintroduced into the environment, often to serve as drinking water for the next community downstream.

Each molecule of water has been used by all manner of species over the course of millions of years, including insects, reptiles, fish, mammals, shellfish, and birds, to name a few. This means that every drop of water you drink today has a rich and varied history, yet it remains incredibly stable due to the natural processes that govern the water cycle.

Wastewater Treatment Process

The process of wastewater treatment typically involves several steps, each designed to remove different contaminants and improve the quality of the water:

Primary Treatment: This initial step involves removing larger solid particles through physical processes like screening and sedimentation. Secondary Treatment: This phase uses biological processes involving microorganisms that break down organic matter. Tertiary Treatment: This advanced filtration involves steps such as ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, and disinfection through methods like ozonation and ultraviolet sterilization.

If a treatment plant is equipped with these advanced technologies, the water can be made safe for direct consumption. However, it's always a good idea to check the pH and total dissolved salt levels to ensure they meet drinking water standards.

The Water Cycle: Nature's Waste Management System

The water cycle, one of nature's most efficient waste management systems, plays a critical role in cleaning and distributing water. Evaporation is the primary method of water purification, as the sun's energy turns water into vapor, leaving behind most impurities. This cycle is essentially free, common, and accessible worldwide.

Before the Industrial Age, the natural water cycle did a remarkable job of maintaining a clean and sufficient water supply for all life on Earth. However, with the rapid increase in human population, we now play a more active role in the water cycle. To maintain a clean water supply and reduce the threat of diseases like E. coli, typhoid, and dysentery, we must assist the natural processes of the water cycle.

Examples of Water Treatment and Reuse

City of Reading, PA: A practical example of water treatment and reuse is found in the City of Reading, Pennsylvania. After treating its waste water, Reading discharges it into the Schuylkill River. This water then flows downstream to Pottstown, where it is further treated to provide clean drinking water for the town.

On a global scale, more than 60% of water goes back into the environment after being used and is eventually used again as natural resources. This is a testament to the efficiency and sustainability of the natural water cycle.

By understanding and appreciating the processes involved in wastewater treatment and the water cycle, we can better manage our water resources and promote sustainability for future generations.