Clarifiers, the next treatment component at the Ventura Water Reclamation Facility after headworks, works to separate solids from our wastewater. Thanks to gravity, heavier solids settle to the bottom of the tanks, while lighter materials like oil and grease float to the top. The water and lighter materials flow to our activated sludge tanks, while solids will be pumped to our anaerobic digesters.
At this point the treatment process is split into two flows: water and solids. We will be covering the different components of these processes in later editions of our newsletter.
While many advancements have been made with advanced water treatment, recycled water, and water reuse, conventional wastewater treatment has largely remained the same, relying on the same general technologies like gravity and biological treatment.
Remember, our treatment system is not made to treat trash, plastics, or rags (including wipes) so these items should always be thrown in your garbage can at home. The only thing going down the drain should be the 3 P’s- pee, poo and (toilet) paper!
To learn more about the City's wastewater treatment process, visit our Wastewater page.
