Discussion: Tertiary vs Secondary Wastewater for Groundwater Recharge
Compare and contrast the secondary water treatment methods to the tertiary water treatment
It is a common practice, particularly in the Western United States, to treat wastewater to a very high level, and then inject it back into ground, where it can be used to replenish the groundwater table. Suppose that you are managing a large water district. A local city council member wants to use secondary treated wastewater instead of tertiary treated wastewater to recharge the groundwater basin.
1) Compare and contrast the secondary water treatment methods to the tertiary water treatment (also known as advanced or final water treatment) methods, in the context of the wastewater treatment process.
In your answer, consider that there are multiple secondary water treatment methods and multiple tertiary water treatment methods.
2) Discuss the appropriate uses of reclaimed water.
3) Explain whether you would recommend secondary treatment or tertiary treatment for the groundwater recharge, if this water were to end up being used for drinking. Describe the rationale of your choice.