The impact of climate change is widespread, affecting areas of life that many people don’t typically give much thought to. One such area is the impact on water treatment systems. Rising global temperatures are creating an environment where storms are becoming more intense, arctic ice mass is melting, and sea levels are increasing. This is a recipe that places more pressure on wastewater treatment facilities.
Wastewater treatment plants serve the important role of keeping water clean and contributing to a healthier environment. The concern is that these facilities have been built with more stable climate conditions in mind. Hurricanes, floods, and drastic shifts in rainfall levels have been considered outliers, not the norm. The fact that they are becoming more common is a challenge.
The Effects of Climate Change on Wastewater Treatment Efficiency
Changes in climate have an immediate and direct impact on wastewater treatment plant efficiency. We see these effects in a number of ways.
Effects on Biological Treatment Processes
Biological treatments are important for breaking down certain types of organic wastewater pollutants. This process involves using microorganisms, like bacteria, that will feed on organic matter, essentially clearing it from the wastewater.
Temperature changes associated with climate change are creating challenges for biological treatment processes. Higher temperatures can interfere with the efficiency of biological treatment, making it more challenging to remove organic contaminants. As temperatures rise, this also creates an environment where harmful bacteria can thrive, further reducing the water quality that comes through wastewater treatment facilities.
Overwhelmed Systems
Some areas of the country have experienced devastating rainfall and flooding due to hurricanes and other extreme weather events. This takes a toll on wastewater treatment facilities. During these events, facilities can easily overflow, which overwhelms the systems. When systems become overwhelmed, they are not able to effectively filter and treat wastewater.
The result is wastewater that is either untreated or only partially treated spilling over into ournatural waterways. The unfortunate consequence of this is increased pollution levels that are bad for the ecosystems they support, and our environment as a whole.
Reduced Water Availability
In contrast to flooding, other areas have experienced periods of prolonged drought, which also has an effect on the efficiency of the water treatment process. Less water means that pollutants in the water can become more concentrated, creating challenges for filtration and purification.
Challenges for Coastal Water Treatment Facilities
A challenge that is specific to wastewater treatment facilities in coastal areas is the amount of saltwater exposure as a result of rising sea levels. This can lead to interference with treatment processes but also cause damaging corrosion of equipment. Combined, these lead to reduced efficiency overall. Looking at the long-term effects, wastewater treatment plants are then faced with the financial challenges of repairing or replacing costly equipment.
Current Infrastructure Challenges in Wastewater Treatment Due to Climate Change
As the effects of climate change have crept up on the wastewater treatment industry, the effects of the added stress on the infrastructure are reaching a critical point. One of the most significant areas of concern is the industry’s aging infrastructure.
The fact that the majority of wastewater treatment plants are decades old at this point, means they were built during a time when the effects of climate change were a less pressing issue. Older facilities with aging equipment aren’t designed to handle the load of our modern environmental pressures. This means aging equipment needs to be replaced sooner than anticipated, adding extensive costs to already stretched budgets.
Geographical challenges are also becoming a more prominent issue. Facilities in lower-lying areas are now dealing with flooding that wasn’t an issue a decade or two ago. Not only does flooding halt processing and lead to lower overall efficiency, but it also leads to costly repairs and potentially the costs associated with relocation.
From a cost standpoint, electricity costs are an issue that is stressing many facility budgets. Combined with the potential of power outages from extreme weather disrupting service, more wastewater treatment centers are at a point of considering alternative energy sources. While more efficient in the long term, this can be a costly venture upfront.
Exploring the Environmental and Public Health Implications of Inefficient Wastewater Treatment
When looking at the effects of climate change on wastewater treatment facilities, it’s important to also look at how all of this affects public health and the environment.
Public Health Risks: One of the most significant implications is the risk to public health. When wastewater treatment systems become overwhelmed or work inefficiently, this opens up the door for the discharge of untreated water. As a result, we see an increase in the presence in not-so-friendly microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria that can spread disease among humans. This can significantly increase the risk of waterborne illnesses in affected communities.
Increased Water Pollution: As mentioned earlier, the risk of dangerous water pollution is increasing as a result of climate change. Pollutants that include chemicals, pathogens, and nutrients that can be harmful in uncontrolled amounts harm aquatic life and the area’s ecosystems.
Issues with Algal Blooms: The nutrients we just mentioned can create a scenario where higher than-normal levels of nitrogen and phosphorus exist. The result of this is an increase in algal blooms. Large algal blooms on the surface can block sunlight from reaching the life below the surface. This is especially troublesome for plant species that rely on photosynthesis. Algal blooms can also rob the environment of nutrients and deplete oxygen. All of this combined can have a devastating effect on water ecosystems.
Economic Significance: It’s equally important to consider the long-term economic consequences of the impact of climate change. Everything from wastewater treatment infrastructure that needs to be replaced, to the increased cost of healthcare and the financial stress on fishing and tourism industries has an impact.
Strategies for Enhancing Wastewater Treatment Resilience to Climate Change
While the impact of climate change on wastewater treatment facilities is nothing to take lightly, it’s not all gloom and doom either. There are steps that can be taken today for the industry to adapt.
- It’s Time for an Infrastructure Upgrade: Facilities with outdated infrastructure can stay ahead of the damage by updating their equipment and technology, such as advanced filtration systems and UV disinfection. Updating facilities before it becomes a necessity allows for more financial control and management of the process.
- Implementing Renewable Energy: Wastewater treatment plants can look toward renewable energy, such as solar power, wind power, or biogas. The less reliant facilities become on external power resources, the more resilient they become against power outages.
- Flood Proofing: Wastewater treatment facilities in flood areas can take steps to install flood barriers and other flood prevention strategies.
- Shifting Toward Corrosion-Resistant Materials: Equipment made from corrosion-resistant materials can reduce maintenance and extend the lifespan of treatment centers located in coastal regions.
Managing the Effects of Climate Change in Today’s World
Climate change is changing how wastewater treatment plants function and posing challenges to their efficiency. Extreme weather is becoming more common, and as environmental shifts continue to occur, wastewater treatment plants are required to adapt. Upgrading infrastructure and investing in durable equipment is a good place to start.
Wastewater treatment centers carry a huge responsibility. Being equipped with the latest tools and technology can help these facilities succeed, even in the face of climate change. At Lakeside Equipment, we’re here to serve as partners in meeting the needs of wastewater management. Contact us today to learn more about the newest equipment and technology available to manage the challenges and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
