What is Domestic Wastewater?
Domestic wastewater is the liquid component of waste
removed from residences, businesses, and institutions. Essentially, water is
considered drinking water or potable water before it is used; after it has been used
and discarded it becomes wastewater. Domestic wastewater generally includes material
disposed of through toilets, sinks, tubs and
showers, washing machines and the like. Domestic wastewater may also include partially
treated
Industrial Wastewater.
Domestic Wastewater Treatment System
Domestic wastewater must be treated and
disposed of in a manner that minimizes potential for affecting public health, as well
as
minimizes the impact on the environment. Over the course of history the importance
of proper wastewater disposal has become more
widely understood and accepted. Many homes and businesses
use Onsite treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS), commonly
known as septic tanks and drainfields. These systems
are best suited for sparsely populated rural areas. Individual systems are generally
designed for flows of 250 gallons per day for single family homes. Commercial or
multi-family home systems are designed for up to a maximum flow of about 5,000 gallons
per day. The Florida Department of Health
regulates septic tank and other OSTD in Florida, typically through a local Health
Department office as is the case in Hillsborough County. For more information on these
systems you can visit the
Florida Department of Health website.
For domestic wastewater systems other than (OSTDS), the
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) provides the regulating
authority. However in Hillsborough County the EPC shares the regulatory role with FDEP
under authority of our enabling legislation and a
Specific Operating Agreement
between the agencies. FDEP is the lead agency for all facilities which are owned and
operated by Hillsborough County Government, and for all facilities which require a
permit for surface water discharge. The EPC is the lead agency for all other
facilities. Within the EPC, the responsibility for the Domestic Wastewater Program
falls within the Water Management Division. The Division regulates both construction
and operation of Wastewater Facilities. Wastewater Facilities to include collection
systems, treatment plants, re-use systems, effluent disposal systems and residuals
management facilities.
Currently there are 137 Domestic Wastewater Treatment
Plants in Hillsborough County with treatment size ranging from 5,000 gallons per day
up to 96 million gallons per day. The larger treatment plants are generally regional
facilities serving customers within a specific geographic area. Less than 10% of the
plants within Hillsborough County are regional facilities; they have a combined
capacity of over 143 million gallons per day. The remaining smaller treatment plants
have a combined capacity of about 4 million gallons per day. Many of these small
treatment plants serve individual subdivisions, mobile home or recreational vehicle
parks, restaurants, schools, churches, and other residence institutions.
