Sanitary Sewer
The Importance of Sanitary Sewer Systems
An effective sanitary sewer collection and treatment system is essential to the safety and wellbeing of citizens in St. Cloud and all other Cities. Our Line Systems Division
and Treatment Division take great care to operate an effective sanitary sewer collection and treatment system that results in a high quality effluent that can be returned to the environment (frequently as reclaim water) without adverse impact. In fact, when wastewater is reused as reclaim water, it protects the environment by helping to conserve water. Also, effective sanitary sewer systems help minimize the need for septic tanks, which cannot achieve the same level of highly effective treatment provided by our treatment plants and operators.
The Complexity of Sanitary Sewers
When you think about the sewer system, it can be easy to say “out of sight, out of mind.” However, the sewer system is very complex and integrates many components. As such, a great deal of operations and maintenance effort is required so that problems can be kept “out of mind.” Some interesting facts about our sewer system are as follows:
Ø 68 Currently Operating Lift Stations with 7 More Numbered and On the Way;
Ø 2 Treatment Plants – Southside Wastewater Treatment Facility and Lakeshore Treatment Facility, which have a Combined Permitted Capacity of 4,000,000 gallons per day;
Ø Pipe Sizes Ranging from 4-inches to 20-inches in diameter;
Ø 5 – 100 HP Blowers Supply Air to the Plants to Treat the Wastewater;
Ø Effluent Quality is Monitored Constantly Using Electronic Analyzers;
Ø On Average, a Pump in Every Lift Station Turns On Every 5 to 30 Minutes;
Ø Critical Components of the Collection System are Constantly Monitored Using Radio Telemetry so that Problems can be Quickly Addressed.
Be Sewer Wise
As you can see, operation of the sanitary sewer system is a complex endeavor. As a citizen, you can help us minimize the issues we encounter by not placing grease or other non-biodegradable items in the sewer. For More Information on Ways to Help Minimize Impacts to the City’s Sewer System, Please Visit our Document Center.
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