Turn Wastewater into Drinking Water

The Need for Purifying Wastewater 

There is a growing need for more usable water in areas that experience water shortages due to extreme drought. Some areas of the country such as California have water treatment facilities where wastewater is purified. 

Wastewater Treatment 

Wastewater is sewage from industrial and residential sources that goes through a rigorous purifying process. The process begins with the sewage passes through micro filtration. The micro filters rid the water of large solids, bacteria and protozoa. 

Next the water is forced through a series of filters at high pressure. This is called reverse osmosis and it removes salts, pesticides and most organic chemicals. Other organic chemicals like pharmaceuticals are hit with radiation from ultra violet lights. Added hydrogen peroxide extracts anything left after the micro filtration and reverse osmosis. 

Where Does the Purified Wastewater Go? 

After the wastewater is purified it is pumped into the ground to mix with aquifer water. Sometimes the treated water is used to form a barrier against intruding seawater on ground water. The purified water trickles down to replenish the ground water supply. Then it can be used for watering parks and golf courses.