Treating wastewater requires specific wastewater equipment and supplies, and treatment methods vary according to need. Rather than rely only on wastewater equipment suppliers for information, learn first about the available options for treatment so you can make an informed decision about treating your wastewater.

When you design a wastewater treatment center you enter a new world, filled with water quality meters, water quality sensors and a myriad of other supplies. The simplest decision, like purchasing used wastewater supplies, can influence what other equipment you'll need. These three questions can streamline the process.

1. Which contaminants do you want to remove from the wastewater?

2. What types of wastewater equipment and supplies will remove those contaminants?

3. Where can you get the wastewater equipment and supplies to remove the contaminants?

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

Find out about contaminants so you know what wastewater equipment and supplies you need

To understand which wastewater equipment and supplies you need for your system, you must figure out what types of contaminants the wastewater has in it. You need to test the water, something you'll later have to do on a regular basis, and you should get a strong feel for the basics of wastewater treatment.

I recommend: The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, regulates wastewater treatment, but don't think of them as the enemy. The EPA offers monetary and technical assistance for setting up a wastewater treatment system and will work with you from inception to project completion. When you want to test the wastewater, the American Council of Independent Laboratories (ACIL) will help you find a lab to perform the initial tests.

Learn about the wastewater equipment and supplies that will remove those contaminants

Remember that sewer supplies differ as greatly from each other as they do from septic supplies, so take extra care when selecting appropriate items. Wastewater supply companies can sell you any sort of water quality sensor or water quality meter you might need, but you should know what you need before you start pricing anything.

I recommend: Carter|VerPlanck, Inc. represents many different wastewater equipment and supply companies, and they profile some of their wastewater system designs and installations. Global Water Instrumentation, Inc. offers smaller scale wastewater supplies, like water quality sensors and water quality testing kits.

Price and purchase the appropriate wastewater equipment and supplies

Now you know what you need to purchase to remove contamination from your wastewater. The next step? Find prices and purchase wastewater equipment. You may purchase used wastewater equipment for fiscal reasons; used wastewater supplies cost less than new wastewater equipment and supplies. However, it may not last as long as new equipment.

I recommend: U.S. Water News, Inc. has a list of wastewater treatment companies. These companies sell new and used wastewater equipment and supplies. If you want certified wastewater supplies and equipment, NSF International certifies wastewater supplies for safety and has a list of certified equipment.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Even if you lack the financial resources to set up the most modern wastewater treatment system, speak with utilities that have the best wastewater treatment facilities in the area. These companies usually know tips that will help you, regardless of your chosen treatment system.