Yesterday, April 7th, Melinda and Dani met the Digital Safari Team in Richmond, CA at the West County Wastewater District to conduct our first EVER official filming and interview. Our goal was to educate ourselves about "What happens to the water when it goes down the drain?". Joe Neugebauer, the WCWD's POSITIONPOSITION, was an incredible host. He took the time (even after his work hours) to do a filmed interview with us and then lead us on a tour of the facility. He shared with us the entire process of how water is treated after it leaves our homes. He also had great things to say about using non-toxic cleaners and how important it is to the treatment process.
Below are a summary of some of the answers taken from his interview, as transcribed by our Digital Safari Team. There will be more to come as the educational video evolves. Project finish date of the video - May 13th.
Below is a summary of the interview with Joe Neugebauer, Inspector at WCWD.
Can you describe how the sewer system works in basic terms? What happens to the water from our house's drain to the final location.
Water from the home ends up at the plant. Water goes through pipes to sewers, gravity then pushes the water down and ends up at the plant (which is why water-treatment plants are at a bottom). Sometimes the water can't get pushed down so there's pumps to 'push' the water.
How does WCWD treat water?
First, screen large particulates, settles, goes through the digester to break, microscopic bacteria eat the waste that matter couldn't settle out, the water gets disinfected because of viruses and bacteria with chlorine. But the chlorine can be toxic so it gets deactivated.
What can and cannot be removed from the water?
Doesn't separate organic compounds. Metals and toxic are hard to remove such as zinc and arsenic.
Where does the water go after treated at WCWD?
It is either reused or recycled. It can go to the delta, Chevron, or the Richmond Country Club.
What are your thoughts on using "green cleaning products" vs. traditional cleaning supplies?
Big on using biodegradable products! White vinegar and water is a good cleaner. Baking soda is also good and safe. If you need to use toxic, follow the instructions on the product and dispose it properly.
From your experience in the field, what is the reason societies choose to discard of their waste, into the water.
It's out of sight and out of mind. It is also a really effective way to dispose of the waste, and the treatment plants are made to replicate the natural process of waste breakdown found in nature.
Do you have any concerns about the condition of the water due to the public's use of traditional toxic cleaning products?
Yes. The chemicals might have to be dealt with years later. ex) Antibacterial soap.
Why do you think people use traditional cleaning products, instead of the greener variety on the market?
Because they work and people has used them for years and they're comfortable with what they're used to and it's hard to change what they're comfortable with.
What role does the solar field play in the water treatment at WCWD?
It is the largest one in the US. The solar panels equals to about 100+ homes. It generates about 35% of energy from the sun because it moves with the sun.
What are 5 tips you would like to share with the public about responsible wastewater management? Are there any odd or funny stories you would like to share from your experience in working in a water treatment plant?
There are interesting things in the pipes - collections. There are also lots of money, rings, diamonds, etc.
Notes:Plant covers San Pablo, some of El Cerrito, North Richmond, & 2 other places.There are 120,000 people in the service area.
~Dani
PS - A special thanks to the Digital Safari Team for all their hard work and getting so involved yesterday. And also, super big thanks to Randy, their teacher, for driving them out and helping them along!
Below are a summary of some of the answers taken from his interview, as transcribed by our Digital Safari Team. There will be more to come as the educational video evolves. Project finish date of the video - May 13th.
Below is a summary of the interview with Joe Neugebauer, Inspector at WCWD.
Can you describe how the sewer system works in basic terms? What happens to the water from our house's drain to the final location.
Water from the home ends up at the plant. Water goes through pipes to sewers, gravity then pushes the water down and ends up at the plant (which is why water-treatment plants are at a bottom). Sometimes the water can't get pushed down so there's pumps to 'push' the water.
How does WCWD treat water?
First, screen large particulates, settles, goes through the digester to break, microscopic bacteria eat the waste that matter couldn't settle out, the water gets disinfected because of viruses and bacteria with chlorine. But the chlorine can be toxic so it gets deactivated.
What can and cannot be removed from the water?
Doesn't separate organic compounds. Metals and toxic are hard to remove such as zinc and arsenic.
Where does the water go after treated at WCWD?
It is either reused or recycled. It can go to the delta, Chevron, or the Richmond Country Club.
What are your thoughts on using "green cleaning products" vs. traditional cleaning supplies?
Big on using biodegradable products! White vinegar and water is a good cleaner. Baking soda is also good and safe. If you need to use toxic, follow the instructions on the product and dispose it properly.
From your experience in the field, what is the reason societies choose to discard of their waste, into the water.
It's out of sight and out of mind. It is also a really effective way to dispose of the waste, and the treatment plants are made to replicate the natural process of waste breakdown found in nature.
Do you have any concerns about the condition of the water due to the public's use of traditional toxic cleaning products?
Yes. The chemicals might have to be dealt with years later. ex) Antibacterial soap.
Why do you think people use traditional cleaning products, instead of the greener variety on the market?
Because they work and people has used them for years and they're comfortable with what they're used to and it's hard to change what they're comfortable with.
What role does the solar field play in the water treatment at WCWD?
It is the largest one in the US. The solar panels equals to about 100+ homes. It generates about 35% of energy from the sun because it moves with the sun.
What are 5 tips you would like to share with the public about responsible wastewater management? Are there any odd or funny stories you would like to share from your experience in working in a water treatment plant?
There are interesting things in the pipes - collections. There are also lots of money, rings, diamonds, etc.
Notes:Plant covers San Pablo, some of El Cerrito, North Richmond, & 2 other places.There are 120,000 people in the service area.
~Dani
PS - A special thanks to the Digital Safari Team for all their hard work and getting so involved yesterday. And also, super big thanks to Randy, their teacher, for driving them out and helping them along!
posted by D.r.e.e.m. Reality @ 3:43 PM
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