Water Quality
Investing in and maintaining robust wastewater infrastructure is essential for protecting and improving water quality. Through advanced treatment processes, effective stormwater management, and sustainable practices, wastewater infrastructure ensures that water discharged into the environment is safe and clean. Examples like the cleanup of Onondaga Lake demonstrate the significant positive impact that well-maintained and advanced wastewater systems can have on the environment. Continuous monitoring and testing further ensure that these systems operate effectively, protecting our water resources for future generations.
Wastewater Infrastructure
Improving Water Quality
WEP’s sewer system collects and transports wastewater from homes, businesses, and industries to our treatment facilities, preventing untreated wastewater from entering natural water bodies, reducing contamination. The efficient transportation of wastewater is essential to avoid leaks and spills that could pollute the environment.
At the treatment plants, raw sewage goes through treatment processes that increase water quality. Primary treatment removes solid wastes and organic matter that could otherwise pollute water bodies, while secondary treatment removes excess oxygen (biochemical oxygen demand) that negatively impacts aquatic organisms. Tertiary treatment increases water quality by removing the remaining contaminants, including nitrogen, phosphorous, and pathogens.
Positively Impacting Onondaga Lake
Onondaga Lake is a testament to the positive impact of wastewater infrastructure on water quality. Onondaga Lake has undergone a significant transformation over the past few decades. Once known as one of the most polluted lakes in the United States due to industrial waste and sewage contamination, our lake has seen a remarkable recovery. Green and gray infrastructure improvements to the sewer system under WEP’s Save the Rain program along with advancements in the wastewater treatment process at the Metro Syracuse Plant contributed greatly to the Onondaga Lake cleanup.
Onondaga Lake Water Quality Data
Water quality data that is collected regularly from Onondaga Lake is available online in near real-time, as provided by the Upstate Freshwater Institute (UFI). View Onondaga Lake Water Quality Data.
Testing Water
WEP’s certified laboratory plays a vital role in ensuring water quality by collecting and analyzing samples from various sources.
Stormwater
Pollutants & Runoff
When it rains, water runoff from roofs, driveways, and other hard surfaces can pick up pollutants and deposit them into streams, lakes, and groundwater. This helps in understanding the impact of urbanization and industrial activities on water quality.
Groundwater
Soils & Sediments
The lab monitors soils and sediments for contaminates or pollutants. Soil erosion can lead to dissolved nutrients and pesticides leaching into groundwater. Sediments can also carry nutrients and pesticides that harm water quality.
Wastewater
Influent & Effluent
Analyzing the water coming into (influent) and leaving (effluent) the treatment plants ensures that the wastewater treatment processes are effective. This monitoring is crucial for meeting federal and state requirements, ensuring that the treated water preserves and improves overall water quality.