Learn About the Wastewater Treatment Process in TN
Although Tennessee wastewater services are a portion of our everyday utility costs many people aren't sure what wastewater means. Wastewater is water that's not used as drinking water but instead is water that has been used and drained out of a home or business through;
- Sinks
- Bathtubs
- Toilets
- Dishwaters
- Washing machines
Rainwater and storm runoff from roofs, gutters and yards that flow into sewage system is also thought to be wastewater.
Tennessee Sewage Services
Sewage is a subset of Tennessee wastewater services that may appear on your utility bill. Sewage is the term for wastewater which contains human waste contaminants. However, sewage sometimes describes all wastewater which is disposed of through the sewer.
Wastewater Treatment in Tennessee
Due to the contaminants wastewater needs to be treated prior to it being put back into the environment. Contaminants may include:
- Human wastes
- Oil
- Soaps
- Chemicals
- Food scraps
Basically just about anything that a person puts down a drain could become a contaminant. The environment can naturally handle some contaminants, but because of the extremely high amount of water that we use wastewater must be treated. Part of the cost involved with Tennessee wastewater services includes the removal of pollutants at a treatment plant.
Wastewater treatment ensures that our rivers, lakes and oceans remain clean and safe to enjoy. A number of the byproducts that come out of treated wastewater are recycled. The rest is disposed of in a way that is more controlled and has a restricted impact on the environment.
How to Get Tennessee Wastewater and Treatment Services
Wastewater services in Tennessee are usually provided by your utility company, but keep in mind these services are sometimes provided separately from electricity, garbage pick up, gas services, etc. In lots of areas the city or municipality will supply wastewater services. These services are rendered to protect the people of the community and the environment, services that are often the responsibility of the local Tennessee government.
However, there are private businesses that provide Tennessee wastewater services as well.
How Much Do Tennessee Wastewater Services Cost?
The cost of Tennessee wastewater services varies from region to region, and in some areas all water-related services are going up in price. Many people are surprised to find that their wastewater services cost more than water itself. That's due to the intensive and costly process involved with treating the wastewater.
The monthly cost is determined by measuring the water usage which is indicated by the amount of water has passed through your meter since the previous month.
Wastewater will be one of several costs included in your water bill.
