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1. Why must we treat wastewater?

The untreated wastewater contains pollutants and pathogenic organisms that are unsafe for people, animals, and aquatic life-forms. The wastewater is treated to a purification level set by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) before it is released to the Fox River. Our facility's treatment exceeds the level set by the IEPA. This in turn further reduces the impact on the Fox River and downstream users.

2. What happens to all the solids the wastewater facility receives?

The solids or Bio-solids are reused to treat the incoming wastewater. As the bio-solids increase a small portion is removed for "Digestion" and referred to as Sludge. The sludge is digested to further stabilize the organic matter to prevent rapid decomposition which creates odor, pathogenic organisms, and attracts bugs and vermin. Once the sludge is stabilized as much excess water as possible is removed and the sludge "cake" is hauled away to use as fertilizer on crops such as corn, soybean, and wheat.