Wastewater

Process Summary

1. Screening and Grit Removal

• Removes solids and heavy materials which increases life expectancy of equipment and reduces maintenance costs

2. Clarification

• Primary clarification takes place in a settling tank that allows sufficient time to allow suspended matter to settle out of the wastewater
• Biological treatment uses bacteria in a combination of aerobic and anaerobic zones to remove organic material, phosphorous, and nitrogen.
• Secondary clarification takes place in a second settling tank. Alum is added to adhere the particles to each other. This makes the particles heavier which increases the efficiency of the settling process.

3. Filtration 

• The filtration beds filter out the remaining particles and some of the bacteria that is still present

4. Ultra Violet

• The ultra violet kills the remaining bacteria and pathogens such as Giardia and Cryptospridium

After the wastewater has been treated it is then disposed of into Okanagan Lake via a deep outlet pipeline. Ongoing testing takes place to ensure quality control.

We ask residents to assist in keeping the Wastewater Treatment Plant running efficiently and Okanagan Lake clean by not flushing the following items down your toilet or your sink:

• Chemicals that are harmful to bacteria as they will eliminate the bacteria that is required for the biological nutrient removal process and could possibly end up in the lake.
• Oils and greases entering the system will not mix with the wastewater. This can create oil or grease balls that impair hydraulic capacity of the pipes and treatment plant equipment.
• Any fire or explosion hazard such as gasoline, fuel oils, or cleaning solvents as they present a risk to staff.
• Other prohibited items

To access photos and more information about the District of Summerland Water Treatment Plant, click here.