Important Notice: Elevated Alkalinity and Toxic Discharges Impacting Wastewater Treatment

Elevated Alkalinity and Toxic Discharges Impacting Wastewater Treatment

We are currently experiencing disruptions in the West Jeff wastewater collection system due to the presence of unidentified toxic discharges. These substances interfere with the removal of total phosphorus at our treatment facility, an essential process for meeting environmental discharge standards. We urge the party responsible to cease these discharges immediately to avoid further regulatory and operational consequences.

The Impact of High Total Alkalinity in Wastewater

High levels of total alkalinity (TA) in influent wastewater can significantly impair the treatment process. Alkalinity, composed primarily of bicarbonates, carbonates, and hydroxides, plays a key role in stabilizing pH. However, excessive TA presents several risks:

Reduced Treatment Efficiency: Elevated alkalinity can inhibit microbial activity during biological treatment, resulting in poor breakdown of organic matter and incomplete nitrification.
Challenging pH Control: High TA resists pH adjustments, increasing chemical usage and treatment costs.
Equipment Damage: Excess minerals may precipitate, leading to scaling, blockages, and increased maintenance in pipes, tanks, and heat exchangers.
Environmental Harm: Discharges with high TA can alter the pH of natural water bodies, disrupting aquatic ecosystems and threatening biodiversity.
Indirect Health Concerns: Untreated or poorly treated wastewater can affect drinking water sources and recreational water quality, posing potential public health risks.
Increase in Wastewater Treatment Expenses: Possible fines for exceeding phosphorus levels in the creek.

Everyday Things that Can Put Dissolved Mineral Salts Down a Drain

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
Laundry detergents & cleaning powders → many have sodium carbonate (washing soda) or sulfates as cleaning agents or fillers.
Pool & spa chemicals → soda ash (sodium carbonate) or pH stabilizers (bicarbonates) washed down when draining or cleaning.
Cement or concrete wash water → rinsing tools or surfaces can release calcium carbonate into drains.

In short: everyday cleaning products, water softeners, pool chemicals, and even tap water itself can send dissolved sulfates, carbonates, and bicarbonates down the drain.

Moving Forward

To maintain effective treatment and environmental compliance, it is critical to monitor and manage alkalinity levels in the influent wastewater. This includes identifying and eliminating sources of excessive alkalinity—such as high concentrations of salts or industrial waste—and conducting regular alkalinity profiling for process optimization.

We appreciate the cooperation of all contributors to the system in protecting our community’s infrastructure and environment.