Why we treat wastewater The goal of wastewater treatment is to
protect and maintain healthy rivers and oceans. If pollutants in
wastewater are not removed, they flow directly into our
waterways. This can threaten public health, fisheries, wildlife
habitat, recreation opportunities and ultimately, our quality of
life. Two of the important components of wastewater addressed
through treatment are: Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Total
suspended solids refers to particles of matter – both large and
small – that can be present in wastewater. These particles carry
bacteria that can make wastewater harder to disinfect and can
use up oxygen in the water as they break down. Solids can also
sink, blanketing the bottom of rivers and oceans and destroying
habitat for aquatic and marine life. Biochemical Oxygen Demand
(BOD) When organic materials— both solid and dissolved—break
down in wastewater, they use up oxygen. Biochemical oxygen
demand measures the amount of oxygen consumed by these materials
in water as they biodegra