How To Clean Sewage Water With The Best Natural Alternatives
We live in a dynamic world and literally, anything can happen in terms of unforeseen events, especially when it comes to our water supply. Whether we’re talking about floods or sewage back-ups, knowing how to clean sewage water is essential in case of emergency.
But that’s not the only reason for taking your time to educate yourself about the main sewage treatment methods. There are still many places throughout the world that are lacking the financial strength to utilize modern wastewater treatment systems.
And that’s why we’ve dedicated this post to natural and less expensive alternatives that can help you deal with wastewater. So, get comfortable and read on as we’re sure that you’ll find the information in the following paragraphs truly revealing.
Top Natural Wastewater Treatment Methods
Apart from being cost-effective, natural ways for wastewater treatment are also extremely reliable and they tend to be highly effective in eliminating water pollution.
1. Phytodepuration
This method mimics the natural cleansing processes found in the wild. It’s eco-friendly and it’s the perfect option for your home, farm etc.
The idea is that you dig a small, yet deep basin and you fill it with aquatic plants, which create a humid environment. And thanks to specific biological, physical and chemical processes, the bacteria in the water begins to diminish naturally.
Depending on the situation, the aquatic plants that you’re using can be:
- Emerging
- Floating
- Flooded
Generally speaking, this method for cleaning sewage water is an optimal choice for small communities that can’t afford expensive wastewater treatment systems. Although phytodepuration can be just as effective when utilized in farms and even places without a proper drainage system, like campgrounds for instance.
2. Wastewater Lagooning
This technique is widely used in many regions around the globe as it offers a very potent, yet inexpensive option for cleaning wastewater since nor does the actual installation, nor is the maintenance of lagooning even remotely expensive.
For this method, however, you’d require a decently-sized land in order to make the numerous lagoons needed. Once you find a suitable place for digging the small ponds (or basins), the biological, chemical and physical mechanisms will kick in to purify the water.
Several kinds of lagoon exist and they are:
- Anaerobic
- Maturation
- Aerated
- Facultative
- Macrophyte
In essence, they all do the same – purify wastewater, it’s just that the biological cycles and processes are slightly different. And for the sewage water to be properly purified, you have to let lagooning do its magic for at least two days and you can leave it for up to ten days just to for good measure.
3. Wastewater Storage Tanks
Wastewater tanks have been around for a while and for a very good reason – they’re quite effective at cleaning sewage water. To put it simply, you fill the tank with wastewater and thanks to particular biochemical and physical processes tha take place in those wastewater tanks, the water is purified as a result.
This method is widespread in many urban areas, although it’s not uncommon to stumble upon wastewater storage tanks in rural regions as well.
There are several main types of wastewater tanks, such as:
- Welded steel tanks
- Bolted tanks – epoxy and powder-coated with carbon steel
- Bolted tanks with glass fused to steel
Tanks made from welded steel are the old-school option and one that’s still widespread today. Generally speaking though, you have to remember that this method requires time and money, but above all – a wastewater storage tank has to be properly maintained.
A more contemporary approach would be to opt for a glass fused to steel, bolted-type tank. Sure, it has a higher capital cost for a natural wastewater treatment method, but with a pretty long service life and only minimum amounts of maintenance needed, it’s definitely worth considering.
Wrapping It Up
Expensive, high-tech wastewater treatment systems might work. However, we have to remember that they’re not always a feasible option and they’re most definitely not always in our ballpark when it comes to affordability.
Thankfully though, there are natural alternatives that are arguably just as effective, minus most of the drawbacks associated with common wastewater systems.
Whether your choice is wastewater lagooning, wastewater storage tanks or phytodepuration, there are plenty of eco-friendly options to choose from. Besides, these are pretty awesome for small communities that can’t cover the costs of advanced sewage water cleaning systems.
Over to you now. What’s your favorite natural wastewater treatment method and why? Drop your answer in the comment section below!