Top five ways businesses can reduce the contamination in wastewater water

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs recently released data on wastewater collection in the UK – more than 11 billion litres of wastewater is collected every day. The collected sewage is then treated by water treatment plants and returned to the ecosystem, where any contaminated water is disposed of or used to create alternative energy. Without this treatment, wastewater could be hazardous to both wildlife and humans, as well as the environment as a whole, which is why it’s crucial for businesses to reduce the risk of contamination wherever they can.

Businesses can help improve the quality of water in the UK and save money simultaneously. This is due to many water management companies charging a more substantial sum of money to collect and dispose of industrial water. To aid in avoiding these extra charges, we’ve teamed up with Total Water Solutions to bring you five ways businesses can reduce contamination in their wastewater.

Install oil interceptors

Installing an oil interceptor will ensure separation of any oil or grease that may have made its way down the drain. Inceptor will safely and efficiently separate oils from the water passing through. Once a substantial amount of water is collected, it can be disposed of accordingly by a professional.

Reuse and Recycle

Not all wastewater needs to be sent for treatment: businesses can recycle their wastewater for various purposes.

Use wastewater to water plants, offer a car washing service to employees or cleaning the outside of the property. Focusing on waste reduction can make a business substantially more efficient, and this also allows more elaborate and detailed plans for dealing with the remaining waste.

Monitor your water waste

Monitoring water is an integral part of any business’s environmental management. It is essential to keep accurate records of wastewater produced, doing so can help to pinpoint peak periods for preparation in advance.

Other benefits of monitoring your wastewater include:

• Identifying inefficiencies and leaks, this means if required a pipe repair service can be brought in sooner rather than later, saving your business a headache later.
• Distinguishing water saving opportunities and meeting waste reduction targets.
• Reducing risks associated with disruptions in water supplies or increase in the cost of water.
• Keeping solids out of the water and separate – these can cause significant issues down the line, treating these early prevents greater issues later on such as blockages. The number of obstructions and pollution incidents relating to fat or oil is steadily increasing year on year. There are approximately 200,000 sewer blockages throughout the UK every year, of which up to 75% are caused by fat, oil and grease.

Separate drainage

It is vital to keep medicines and toxins separate any drains or supply pipes, contamination from any toxic or poisonous substances can have lethal consequences.

Treat what needs treating

To maximise savings, it is essential only to address the water that needs treating.  Requesting your employees to act with discretion when using the business drains, you can avoid unnecessary treatment and charges. By separating liquids from other sediment and suspended solids, wastewater can be treated more directly and at a lower cost.