Download Diagram with Photos of our Wastewater Plant

Wastewater Treatment Process
Bar Screens
Giant rakes allow water to pass, but
catch trash like sticks, rags, and toys.
Grit Chamber
Sand, grit, coffee grounds, and egg
shells settle out here.
Primary Clarification Tank
Sludge settles out at the bottom while
grease is skimmed off the top.
Aeration Basin
Bacteria eat the dissolved solids and
denitrify ammonia into nitrogen gas.
Homes,
Business,
Industry,
Health Care,
Institutions
Primary
Treatment
Activated Sludge
Secondary Treatment
(based upon the principal of sinking and floating)
(based upon the food chain)
To Disposal
Final Treatment
Methane Gas
CoGen Facility (Generator)
Methane gas is burned to create
electricity that runs our plant.
Digesters
Microorganisms kept at 98 degrees F
produce methane gas.
(disinfection)
Reuse
Water
Electricity
Generation
Secondary Clarification Tank
Fat, old microrganisms settle out and
activated sludge is sent to aeration.
Sludge
Treatment
(from methane gas)
(based upon digestion)
To Compost
or Disposal
The R
io Gr
ande
Thickening
Sludge is thickened and de-watered
before it goes to the digester.
Disinfection
Ultraviolet light destroys genetic
material in bacteria and viruses.
River Flow
The cleaned water flows into the Rio
Grande.