Learn About the Wastewater Treatment Process in WI
Although Wisconsin wastewater services are a part of our everyday utility costs lots of people aren't sure what wastewater refers to. Wastewater is water that isn't used as drinking water but rather is water that has been used and drained out of a house 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 considered wastewater.
Wisconsin Sewage Services
Sewage is a subset of Wisconsin wastewater services that may show up on your utility bill. Sewage refers to wastewater which contains human waste contaminants. However, sewage sometimes describes all wastewater that is disposed of through the sewer.
Wastewater Treatment in Wisconsin
Due to the contaminants wastewater needs to be treated prior to it being put back into the environment. Contaminants can include:
- Human wastes
- Oil
- Soaps
- Chemicals
- Food scraps
Basically almost anything that a person puts down a drain could become a contaminant. The environment can naturally handle some contaminants, but because of the elevated amount of water that we use wastewater must be treated. Part of the cost involved with Wisconsin 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 limited impact on the environment.
How to Get Wisconsin Wastewater and Treatment Services
Wastewater services in Wisconsin are usually provided by your utility company, but bear in mind these services are sometimes provided separately from electricity, garbage pick up, gas services, etc. In many areas the city or municipality will provide wastewater services. These services are rendered to protect the people of the community and the environment, services that are usually the responsibility of the local Wisconsin government.
However, there are private businesses that provide Wisconsin wastewater services as well.
How Much Do Wisconsin Wastewater Services Cost?
The price of Wisconsin wastewater services varies from location to location, and in some areas all water-related services are going up in price. Some people are surprised to find that their wastewater services cost more than water itself. That's because of the intensive and costly process involved with treating the wastewater.
The monthly cost is based on measuring the water usage which is indicated by the amount of water has gone through through your meter since the previous month.
Wastewater will be just one of several costs included in your water bill.
