Summerland has approximately 55 kilometers of Sewer lines, 5 lift stations, a Sewer Treatment Plant and over 700 manhole covers.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant, lift stations , sewer lines, manholes and siphon are maintained by the District of Summerland.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Processes

The purpose of a wastewater treatment plant is to ensure that the wastewater entering the plant meets water quality standards before it reaches the receiving watercourse. To achieve this, Summerland puts the wastewater through the following processes:

1. Screening/Grit removal -removes solids and heavy particulate matter e.g.) sand, coffee grounds

2. Clarification (3 stages)

Primary Clarification -a settling tank that allows raw wastewater time to settle out the suspended matter.
Biological Treatment -process which uses bacteria to help remove organic material and some unwanted chemicals e.g.) phosphorus, nitrogen compounds.
Secondary Clarification -removes the rest of the smaller suspended particles with the help of a chemical -the chemical (ALUM) in this case is used to help particles stick together and create larger, heavier ones.

3. Filtration -filters out leftover suspended particles and some unwanted bacteria

4. UV -kills unwanted pathogens, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium

After the water has been treated, it is then released into the lake. The water entering the lake is periodically tested to ensure that the water quality standards are being met.

Problems:
A. Chemicals being put into the system from outside sources. Effects:

Kills bacteria needed in clarification stage 2.
Chemicals can either remain in the system or end up in the lake.

B. Oils and greases put into the system don't mix with wastewater. Effect:

It creates larger oil or grease balls, which impairs the hydraulic capacity of the pipes and treatment plant machinery.

Wastes that shouldn't enter the sanitary sewers are:

Wastes that create a fire or explosion hazard. e.g.) gasoline, fuel oils, cleaning solvents
Substances that impair hydraulic capacity. e.g.) ashes, sand, metal shavings, grease/oil, unshredded garbage
Contaminants that create a hazard to people, the physical sewer, or the biological treatment process. e.g.) toxins, corrosive compounds, metal ions
Refractory wastes that pass through treatment and result in degradation of the receiving water course. e.g.) dissolved salts, colour, odor-producing substances Some other examples of items that shouldn't be put into the sanitary sewers are: * Paint, paint thinners * Fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, etc. * Chemicals - such as silver or silver compounds * Disposable diapers, dental floss, etc.

Help keep Summerland's wastewater treatment plant running efficiently and the lake clean by being mindful of what goes into the sanitary sewers.