Keeping Wastewater Arteries Clear

Pump impeller technology is evolving to help wastewater companies in the ongoing battle against blockages. Pump blockage is a growing and costly issue for wastewater companies. Choosing a pump designed specifically to meet the challenges of frontline operation in sewage networks can dramatically cut downtime and minimize asset lifetime costs.

Water rates affect everyone and they are largely dictated by the costs of extracting, treating and cleaning water as it travels through the water cycle. Therefore, any savings that can be made in efficiency and operating costs can have a beneficial effect on the bottom line for utilities, which should be reflected in customers’ bills.

Solids removal is the first process at any municipal wastewater treatment facility. The screens installed at the inlet of the treatment works capture large quantities of material, mainly composed of wipes, sanitary items and – in combined sewage and stormwater management systems – litter from the streets. One terminal pumping station in Spain, for example, collects around 1.6 m3 of fibrous materials, equivalent to approximately 200’000 wet wipes, from the 28’000 m3 of wastewater it pumps every week.