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City of Saskatoon
DEPARTMENTS
Utility Services
Water and Wastewater Treatment
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
| Q.1 |
Why is there an odour from the Wastewater Treatment Plant and why is it worse some times of the year |
| A. |
Odours from the Plant are produced as organic matter in the wastewater is broken down by micro-organisms. Odours may be worse at some times of year when cleaning or maintenance is being performed in certain areas of the Plant. There is also a greater potential for odours in the late summer. Not only is the wastewater temperature warmest during this time of year, but days of calm, humid weather can cause odours to accumulate in low areas near the Plant. |
| Q.2 |
Are all of the micro-organisms removed before the final effluent is released to the river? |
| A. |
Prior to the final effluent being released to the river, the treated water flows through the UV Disinfection system where UV light is added to kill harmful micro-organisms and disease-causing bacteria which may still be present. |
| Q.3 |
What is UV disinfection and why is it used? |
| A. |
Ultraviolet (UV) light is used as an alternative to chlorine to disinfect wastewater from disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. As UV light passes through the effluent, disease-causing bacteria are sterilized, thus eliminating the risk of disease. UV also has the advantage of being able to deactivate Giardia and Cryptosporidium, which can be present in wastewater and are a public health concern. |
| Q.4 |
What is Bio-aerosol monitoring? |
| A. |
Bio-aerosol monitoring is carried out at different locations around the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The results of the monitoring tell workers the concentrations of biological particles and micro-organisms present in the air. This information helps the City ensure a safe working environment for its employees. |
| Q.5 |
What is Liquid Injection? |
| A. |
Liquid Injection is the process used to “spread” digested biosolids into agricultural fields as a nutrient-rich soil conditioner and fertilizer. The injection process forces the biosolids directly into the soil. |
| Q.6 |
Is Liquid Injection safe for acreages surrounding the farms using this method of fertilization? |
| A. |
To ensure the safety of biosolids for agricultural use, testing by specially trained laboratory staff for concentrations of heavy metals. Subsequent monitoring of soil and groundwater is performed in areas around where biosolids have been applied to ensure there are no negative impacts. Criteria for the safe application of biosolids on land is followed. |
| Q.7 |
What is a lift station and what does it do? |
| A. |
Wastewater in Saskatoon flows from your home to the Wastewater Treatment Plant through a system of pipes. The flow of this water through the pipes is maintained by gravity (it runs downhill). However, not every neighbourhood in the city is at a higher elevation than the Plant. This is where the lift station comes in. A lift station is a pumphouse that “lifts” the wastewater in the City’s collection system up to a higher elevation so that it can then continue to flow downhill to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. |
| Q.8 |
What is the flame burning at the Wastewater Treatment Plant? |
| A. |
Methane and carbon dioxide gases are produced as solids are broken down in the Digesters. Some of the gas is used to fuel boilers that heat the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Excess gas is burned off in a flare stack resulting in a flame that can sometimes be seen at the Plant. |
| Q.9 |
How do I book a tour of the Wastewater Treatment Plant? |
| A. |
To book a tour, please call 975-2541. Tours take approximately one hour and go through the entire treatment process. |
| Q.10 |
Who can I contact to get additional information about the Wastewater Treatment Process? |
| A. |
For more information on the Plant or the Wastewater Treatment process, please call 975-2541. |
| Q.11 |
How much does it cost to treat the sewage? |
| A. |
About 53 cents per cubic metre. |
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