The US Environmental Protection Agency considers any used water as wastewater. Wastewater must go through some type of wastewater purification process before a company returns it to our natural water resources. Releasing untreated wastewater into the environment transports diseases and destroys animal habitats and recreational areas.

Wastewater treatment companies clean wastewater we use every day and ensure the water’s safety before it re-enters the environment. Whether you need to create a business partnership with water and wastewater companies depends on what type of business you operate. Large-scale refineries and chemical factories often have their own wastewater treatment plants. Smaller businesses like auto mechanic shops usually contract wastewater services out to a company specializing in wastewater management. Water and wastewater treatment and services come from a few different places:

1. Water supply companies offer a range of services from wastewater treatment and water conditioning to emergency supply and sewage collection.

2. Wastewater treatment companies specialize in transporting and treating water and wastewater, especially concerning hazardous materials.

3. Wastewater treatment equipment vendors provide the hardware or a wastewater treatment system for in-house wastewater management.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look into services offered by your local water and wastewater companies

Use the resources you have readily available to you first, which are your regional water suppliers. Many of them offer a variety of services to meet the needs of the entire community. Regional companies serve residential, business and environment venues.

I recommend: Check out the various wastewater treatment services offered by standard water suppliers like Siemens and the Southwest Water Company or municipal water companies like the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. Find local companies using the from Open Directory Project.

Mange your wastewater purification needs using an environmental services company

Work with companies that specialize in wastewater conditioning to remove the hassle of having to manage your wastewater yourself--especially if owning your own wastewater treatment system is not really necessary or affordable. Most of these companies provide cradle-to-grave waste processing, meaning there's nothing left for you to do but pay the bill after the wastewater leaves your property.

I recommend: Visit the websites of waste water companies like Eldredge, Inc., Gator Environmental & Rentals Inc. and React 365 Inc. in New York City for information on their wastewater treatment service options.

Meet with industrial wastewater treatment equipment vendors

Large-size manufacturers like automakers and chemical companies use in-house water treatment systems. Smaller companies, whose products or services require heavy water use like meat-processing plants or self-serve car washes, also benefit from in-house systems. Investing in your own water and wastewater treatment system for your business is a significant expense requiring a close business partnership with your equipment vendors.

I recommend: Get quotes online from reputable wastewater treatment vendors like EVERFILT and Hydrotech.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the principle authority for all laws and regulations regarding water and wastewater treatment. If you have any questions or compliance issues, contact your regional EPA Office of Wastewater Management.