The Wastewater Utility Department has six employees and is separated into two divisions; Plant Division and System Division. An enterprise fund, the stated intent of this department is to help protect the health of our community and the environment by collection and treatment of wastewater discharged by customers of the utility. The wastewater generated by the City is treated to meet or exceed standards specified by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and then discharged to the Solomon River. The wastewater plant provides primary, secondary and advanced wastewater treatment, that speed up the natural decomposition process. Those processes allow the recycled wastewater to be returned to the river without harm to public health or the environment.
These facilities operate under permits to discharge treated wastewater, which are issued by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment that sets forth specific discharge criteria that is protective of Public Health and the Environment.
Dispose of Household Hazardous Wastes Safely
Many household products are potentially hazardous to people and the environment and never should be flushed down drains, toilets, or storm sewers. Treatment plant workers can be injured and wastewater systems can be damaged as a result of improper disposal of hazardous materials.
Hazardous Chemicals
Other hazardous chemicals cannot be treated effectively by municipal wastewater systems and may reach local drinking water sources. When flushed into septic systems and other on-site systems, they can temporarily disrupt the biological processes in the tank and soil absorption field, allowing hazardous chemicals and untreated wastewater to reach groundwater. Some examples of hazardous household materials include:
- Antifreeze
- Battery fluid
- Motor oil
- Oven cleaner
- Paint
- Paint thinner
- Pesticides
- Polish
- Rat poison
- Solvents
- Transmission fluid
- Varnish
- Wax