Wastewater Treatment Plant

Wastewater treatment at our facility consists of three main stages:

1. Primary Treatment: Large particles and debris, such as plastics, paper, and other solid waste, are removed through an automatic screen, and then the sand and grit are removed.
2. Secondary Treatment: Multiple types of naturally occurring microorganisms are cultivated to break down organic matter and other compounds in the wastewater. These microorganisms primarily target compounds such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, ammonia, and phosphates, which are common in wastewater from domestic and industrial sources.
3. Disinfection: The treated wastewater is exposed to concentrated UV light to eliminate any remaining pathogens. UV light is effective in killing pathogens without adding chemicals to the water, ensuring the water is thoroughly disinfected before it is released into the environment.

These process steps are determined by qualified engineers and are approved by both the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and standards.

After treatment, the clean, treated water is released into White Lick Creek, eventually flowing into the ocean via the Mississippi River. The solid waste undergoes further treatment and is then hauled away by a company that applies the nutrient-rich material to corn and soybean crops not intended for human consumption.

The entire treatment process takes about 6.0 hours to treat 350,000 gallons of wastewater.

Wastewater treatment is important for several reasons:

1. Prevents Pollution: When wastewater is treated, harmful chemicals and pollutants are removed. This prevents these substances from entering rivers, lakes, and oceans, keeping our water sources clean and safe.
2. Protects Aquatic Life: Clean water is essential for fish, plants, and other creatures living in water. By treating wastewater, we ensure that these organisms have a healthy environment to live in, which helps maintain biodiversity.
3. Ensures Clean Water: Treated wastewater can be safely returned to the environment, where it can be used for swimming, fishing, and farming. This is crucial for our health and well-being.
4. Supports Recreation and Agriculture: Clean water is necessary for activities like swimming, boating, and fishing. It’s also vital for growing crops and raising animals, which are important for our food supply.
5. Maintains a Healthy Ecosystem: A healthy ecosystem means that all living things, including humans, animals, and plants, can thrive. Wastewater treatment helps keep ecosystems balanced and functioning properly.
6. Reduces the Spread of Diseases: Untreated wastewater can carry harmful bacteria and viruses that cause diseases. By treating wastewater, we reduce the risk of these diseases spreading, protecting public health.

In summary, wastewater treatment is essential for keeping our environment clean, protecting wildlife, ensuring safe water for various uses, supporting recreational activities and agriculture, maintaining healthy ecosystems, and preventing diseases. It’s a vital process that benefits everyone.

The expansion is funded entirely through the Town’s capacity fund, which has over $14 million through a capacity charge for each new connection to the system. The capacity fund enables Whitestown to enhance its infrastructure without imposing additional costs on current residents and utility customers. As a result, it is not funded by taxpayer dollars.