The single, most important requirement for sustainable rural wastewater infrastructure is proper O&M. The State of Tennessee is proposing action to address the high failure rate of small rural wastewater systems by proposing amendments to State Design Standards. One key issue highlighted is the frequent failure of drip systems and the emergence of water surfacing in failed systems. While design standards help, many States adopt design standards that actually promote oversized, overly expensive, overly complex and possibly unsustainable systems. Wastewater collection and treatment systems, especially small rural systems, often suffer from neglect, until visible issues arise. Unfortunately, when wastewater surfaces outside the confines of the wastewater system, it was most often caused by a lot of simple fixes that were never done. A failed drip system may or may not be bad design, but more likely could have been caused by long-standing operational problems that were not addressed. I have actually seen pipe leaks repaired by multiple rolls of duct tape, and saw that this band-aid repair made it through State Inspections. While design standards are crucial, they only partially tackle the challenges small rural wastewater systems face. The success of wastewater systems heavily relies on well-funded operations, competent operators, and proper inspections by trained professionals. Neglecting maintenance in favor of reactive approaches poses risks, highlighting the need for a proactive mindset in the industry. Ultimately, the effectiveness of a wastewater system, regardless of its size, hinges on skilled operators and thorough oversight. Shifting from a "run it and forget it" mentality to proactive maintenance strategies is essential for sustainable and efficient wastewater management. A competent operator can salvage a flawed system, while inadequate oversight can jeopardize even the best-designed systems. I always ask people what they would expect from a car if they didn't change the oil, wiper blades,tires, etc. Wastewater systems are no different. #wastewater #sustainable #rural
I think history is clear - all phases are critical siting, design, installation, and O& M.
Digital Accessibility: Enabling Wastewater Education Participation in the Information Society.
3whave we forgotten the cost effectiveness of Responsible Management Entities? A utility that finances new or repairs/replacement of systems, provides regular maintenance check ups and servicing? Why aren't we advocating and publicizing the already successfully operating RMEs?