Learn About the Wastewater Treatment Process in VT
Although Vermont wastewater services are a portion of our everyday utility costs lots of people aren't sure what wastewater means. Wastewater is water that is 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 run into sewage system is also thought to be wastewater.
Vermont Sewage Services
Sewage is a subset of Vermont wastewater services that may appear on your utility bill. Sewage refers to wastewater that contains human waste contaminants. However, sewage sometimes describes all wastewater that's disposed of through the sewer.
Wastewater Treatment in Vermont
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 almost anything that a person puts down a drain may become a contaminant. The environment can naturally handle some contaminants, but because of the very high amount of water that we use wastewater must be treated. A portion of the cost involved with Vermont wastewater services includes removing pollutants at a treatment plant.
Wastewater treatment ensures that our rivers, lakes and oceans remain clean and safe to enjoy. Some 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 earth.
How to Get Vermont Wastewater and Treatment Services
Wastewater services in Vermont are usually furnished by your utility company, but bear 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 typically the responsibility of the local Vermont government.
However, there are private companies that provide Vermont wastewater services as well.
How Much Do Vermont Wastewater Services Cost?
The cost of Vermont wastewater services varies from location to location, and in some areas all water-related services are going up in price. Some individuals 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 based on measuring the water usage which is indicated by how much water has passed through your meter since the previous month.
Wastewater will be one of several costs included in your water bill.
