Wastewater Department

What is wastewater treatment?

It’s a process of cleaning used water and sewage so it can be returned safely to our environment. Before entering Shoal Creek, part of Flint River watershed, wastewater is processed at the Hartselle Utilities Wastewater Treatment Plant to meet federal and state standards. Our Wastewater Treatment Plant is designed to treat 2.7 million gallons of water a day from homes, businesses and industries from the City of Hartselle.

How do treatment plants protect our water?

Wastewater treatment plants:

  • Remove solids, everything from rags and plastics to sand and smaller particles found in wastewater;
  • Reduce organic matter and pollutants–naturally occurring helpful bacteria and other microorganisms consume organic matter in wastewater and are then separated from the water; and,
  • Restore oxygen–the treatment process ensures that the water put back into our rivers or lakes has enough oxygen to support life.

Where does wastewater come from?

  • Homes – human and household wastes from toilets, sinks, baths, dishwashers, garbage grinders, clothes washers and drains.
  • Industry, Schools, and Business–chemical and other wastes from factories, food-service operations, school activities, hospitals, shopping centers, etc.
  • Storm Water Infiltration and Inflow from Runoff and Groundwater–water that enters the sanitary sewer system during a storm, as well as groundwater that enters through cracks in sewers.

Everyone can play a part in keeping our water resources safe from hazardous materials by properly disposing or recycling materials that should not be placed in the sanitary sewer system. Please click here to view a chart provided by the Water Environment Federation, which will show you effective ways to dispose of typical household products and so that you may contribute to a sustainable, clean environment.

Are you having problems with your septic system?  If Hartselle Utilities sewer is available, we offer a financing program for systems development charges. For more information, see our page on Sewer Connection Financing.