One of the most critical infrastructures in a community is a wastewater treatment plant. It keeps the community healthy, prevents pollution and promotes water reuse and conservation. However, you can only enjoy the benefits with a well-designed and properly installed domestic wastewater treatment plant. One factor that plays a significant role in domestic wastewater treatment plants is location. Here are the reasons.

Groundwater Quality — The number one reason experts survey a proposed wastewater treatment plant location is to establish the presence of water sources. Remember, underground freshwater sources are getting scarce, and preserving the quality of the remaining sources is critical. Therefore, constructing a wastewater treatment plant near underground and surface water sources increases the risk of contamination. Although waterproofing technologies can help prevent leakages, you cannot predict what will happen in the future. Therefore, the only way to guarantee total protection of water sources is to construct wastewater treatment plants far away. In addition, it ensures that water from rivers and aquifers can sustain the needs of local populations.

Susceptibility to Flooding — A domestic wastewater treatment plant comprises different critical parts that keep it functioning correctly. The components include pumps, electrical wiring connections and piping, all of which must be protected against damages. Therefore, the location in question must be inspected for flooding susceptibility before construction begins. If the ground does not drain readily, a survey team does not approve constructions plans. Notably, installing a wastewater treatment plant on such a site might threaten the health of the surrounding flora and fauna. Fortunately, experts can use specific techniques to prevent floods from affecting a wastewater treatment plant. For instance, you can install inflatable water barriers around a treatment plant, keeping up to 5ft of water at bay. However, if floodwater does not drain fast, it is advisable to choose another location.

Site Gradient — Land gradient refers to the slope or incline, and it is a critical consideration when designing and installing a wastewater treatment plant. Wastewater treatment is a multistage process, meaning that sludge must move from one point to the next. Therefore, the process requires pumping, especially in relatively flat sites. However, if sludge flows downhill, a wastewater management team can leverage gravitational force, meaning that a few pumps are enough. Therefore, contractors should avoid sites where a wastewater source is at a lower elevation because powerful pumps are required to keep the sludge moving smoothly.