WASTEWATER UTILITIES

Pretreatment of Wastewater

Pretreatment of wastewater is the “treatment” of wastewater before (“pre”) or prior to it reaching the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. Every little bit of Pollution Prevention helps, including the "pretreatment" of sewage. If you are a business or residential customer of Decatur, please make sure that you take measures to help ensure that the sewage (wastewater) that leaves your property and enters the City sewer has been properly managed, pretreated if necessary, to ensure it will not harm the sewer collection and treatment system.


What materials can be toxic or harmful to the sewer?

Flammable materials might cause the system to explode. Corrosive material, like acid, may eat holes in the system and cause a sewage spill. Solid or viscous material like restaurant grease or other cooking byproducts may cause blockage of the system, resulting in clogs, backups, and spills. The treatment process incorporates microbiology and materials that can interfere with this activity and can cause problems. Don’t Risk It!

The regulations and guiding principles for the City’s Pretreatment Program can be found in the City’s Code of Ordinances.