ADVANCED WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Award-Winning Treatment Plant Performance
From the sewer pipeline that runs right up to your home to our 800 acres of pasture and wetlands — we are at work every day protecting public health, and the environment.
Our modern treatment plant is one of the key tools that we use to serve our customers. Every day and around the clock, our crews operate it to safely treat wastewater 24/7 and convert it into useful byproducts like recycled water.
Cost-Effective Operations.
The plant is managed through a contract with a nationally recognized firm that specializes in utilities. The partnership results in high performance, efficiency, and millions of dollars in savings.
Consistent Quality Compliance.
The treatment plant must meet over 1,000 requirements, including strict annual, monthly, weekly, and daily water quality thresholds.
Top One Percent of Treatment Plants.
Fewer than 150 treatment plants in the country earned the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) Platinum Peak Performance Award for ten years or more in a row of perfect water quality compliance.
Leaders in Protecting Bay Water Quality.
The plant reduces biological nutrients to very low levels, making it one of the highest-performing treatment plants in the region, helping to prevent algae blooms and protecting the Bay.
Six Step Treatment Process Converts Wastewater into Valuable Resources
1. PRE-TREATMENT
Bar screens and grit chambers trap large and small objects. Nature-based odor control systems reduce odor and corrosion.
2. PRIMARY TREATMENT
Primary Clarifiers settle out larger organic materials and prepare water for further treatment.
3. SECONDARY TREATMENT
Natural bacteria consume smaller organic solids in aeration basins and settle out in secondary clarifiers.
4. DISINFECTION
Ultraviolet disinfection is used instead of liquid chlorine eliminating harmful disinfection byproducts.
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5. SOLIDS HANDLING
Primary and secondary solids (sludge) is anaerobically digested by natural bacteria. Water is removed and solids are disposed of locally at the District's dedicated land disposal site.
6. ENERGY RECOVERY
Captured heat and gases will eventually provide substantial sustainable power.
Wastewater Treatment Protects the Air, Land, and Water Environment
AIR:
ENERGY FROM HEAT AND GASES
The treatment process creates gases and heat. The District is evaluating ways to capture that energy and use it to power the treatment plant. The treatment plant produces a million pounds less carbon per year than the old plant, reducing greenhouse gases by over 14%.
LAND:
BIOSOLIDS MANAGEMENT
Disposing of solids at the District dedicated disposal site results in savings for our ratepayers and a reduced carbon footprint by eliminating the need to haul biosolids to a landfill, which would require hundreds of truck trips per year.
The District is also evaluating potential waste-to-energy/soil amendments projects utilizing food waste and wastewater biosolids.
WATER:
CONSISTENT TREATMENT COMPLIANCE PROTECTS THE BAY
The District's modern treatment plant and highly trained operators meet over 1,000 water quality requirements year after year, protecting the Bay environment.
Learn more about the beneficial ways we are using
Reclaimed and Recycled Water in Novato