How does NYC treat sewage for 8.6 million people? Part 4
The final 2 steps in wastewater treatment begin with Disinfection. The filtered wastewater is mixed with sodium hypochlorite, a chemical found in household bleach for 15-20 minutes. Once treated, the wastewater is released back into the local waterways.
During the entire process, sludge is produced and is also treated to become a “biosolid.” The biosolids are distributed to landfills or go through processing by outside contractors and are used for soil amendment. The Federal and State governments regulate the use of biosolids.
According to the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection), the city produces 1,400 tons of biosolids per day. The city spends $20 million yearly to deal with the dreaded giant fatbergs that clog up the sewers and machinery.
Photo: The 2013 completion of Catskill/Delaware Ultraviolet Treatment Facility for Drinking Water. The $1.5 Billion Facility is the largest in the World and provides added Protection for Drinking Water in New York City and Portions of Westchester County. / NYC Environmental Protection
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