From July 2010 to June 2011, OWASA treated and recycled 2.7 billion gallons of wastewater and 1,279 tons of biosolids in accordance with federal and state standards.
OWASA surpassed the treated water-quality standards for the utility’s Mason Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant, including limits on bacteria, phosphorus, nitrogen and solids.
Biosolids are the solids that are separated from wastewater, treated in a biological breakdown process and disinfected by heating them to 140 degrees. Biosolids are recycled on farmland to help grow crops for non-human consumption or are used in a composting process to make a soil additive for landscaping. OWASA’s biosolids surpass the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s standards for “Exceptional Quality.â€
OWASA’s annual report on wastewater is available on OWASA’s website, owasa.org.