America’s wastewater treatment infrastructure is in trouble, something we’re hearing more and more of in the news. As many water utilities look for ways to replace their failing equipment, including leasing wastewater treatment systems, one important consideration is how long these systems should last. Many factors must be taken into account, including equipment, technologies, maintenance, and quality of builds. Another consideration is how well a utility is operated.
According to the State Water Resources Control Board of California, treatment plants, pumping plants, and transmission-distribution structures have a 30- to 60-year life expectancy. Inside the treatment plants, however, the equipment is not expected to serve for more than 15 years. Pumping equipment may only last 10 to 15 years, while computer, lab, communications, and monitoring equipment often must be replaced within five to 10 years. This highlights the importance of anticipating and budgeting for regular equipment replacements to ensure consistent performance and avoid unexpected breakdowns.
Factors That Impact Lifespan of Wastewater Treatment Plants
One of the primary factors affecting the lifespan of a wastewater treatment facility is the quality of its equipment, technologies, and construction. Well-built systems with robust components and advanced technologies are likely to have a longer operational life compared to those using inferior materials or outdated methodologies. Regular maintenance, adherence to industry standards, and continuous monitoring of equipment performance are essential to extend a treatment plant’s life expectancy.
Apart from the physical aspects of the treatment system, the operational efficiency of the utility also plays a pivotal role. A well-operated utility, with trained personnel and effective management practices, is better equipped to maintain and maximize the performance of its treatment systems. Effective operation and timely adjustments can significantly impact the system’s longevity by reducing wear and tear, preventing damage, and enhancing overall efficiency.
Early Demise of Wastewater Treatment Systems
Beyond normal wear-and-tear, other issues can contribute to the early demise of a wastewater treatment system.
For example, a wipe’s packaging may say it’s flushable, but that only means that a toilet can handle it, not the larger sanitation system. In treatment plants, many such sanitary products, especially those containing cotton, can cause significant harm.
Similarly, the discharge of fat, oil, and grease into sink drains can lead to the formation of “fatbergs,” which obstruct pipes and hinder the treatment process. Raising awareness about responsible disposal practices is crucial to mitigating this problem and preserving the effectiveness of wastewater treatment infrastructure.
Even vandalism can be a problem. It may have played a part in the catastrophic failure of the wastewater treatment system in Durban, South Africa. Vandalism and intentional damage can pose serious threats to treatment facilities. Incidents of sabotage, theft, or destruction can disrupt operations, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures and community awareness about the critical importance of these systems.
A lack of monetary and organizational resources often contributes to a breakdown in maintenance schedules, and chronically neglected plants can become irreparable and must be replaced. Replacing a plant costs radically more than consistent maintenance would have. There’s even a name for the damaging dynamic: “the build-neglect-rebuild” cycle.
While we may think of public infrastructure as large and imposing, the fact is that 85% of water utilities in the United States have only one to three employees. Smaller service areas often do not have the money or organizational resources to properly maintain a water utility. Treatment processes are becoming more technical and compliance more difficult, which can be overwhelming for a small utility.
Add to all of the above that on average, the nation’s approximately 16,000 wastewater treatment plants are functioning at a high 81% of their capacities, while 15% are at capacity or exceeding it, risking sewage overflow.
Beating Plant Obsolescence
The good thing is that new strategies are making it easier for wastewater systems to manage the ravages of time. Some water and wastewater companies offer financing packages that take the burdens of plant maintenance and regulatory compliance off the backs of the customer throughout the life of the contract.
Plant leases are one such option. Modular wastewater treatment equipment can now be trucked in and out, with little concrete to pour. Leases give communities the wastewater treatment capacity they need without a large replacement bubble waiting at the end of the line because old units can be simply switched out or added and new leases signed.
It’s important to keep in mind that when companies retain ownership of plants they lease, and take part in their operations and maintenance, they have a strong incentive to provide the most durable equipment available. So, while there are average plant lifecycles and early failures from neglect, some wastewater treatment systems crush the obsolescence curve.
As we move forward, it is crucial for water utilities, government bodies, and communities to collaborate and invest in sustainable, long-term solutions for wastewater treatment infrastructure. Embracing innovative technologies, committing to regular maintenance, and fostering a culture of responsible wastewater disposal are essential steps to safeguarding the health of our waterways, ecosystems, and public health. By adopting a proactive approach and learning from past challenges, we can ensure that wastewater treatment systems serve generations to come.
