Water Treatment Plant
And The Process Of Obtaining The General Permit

Water treatment plant is an establishment that works on treating water, either surface or ground.

These plants are usually found in many communities as they are the main sources of potable water that can be used in different ways. Further treatment can make them truly fitting for industrial use.

But do you know that before water treatment plants can operate, they should get a general permit first?

There are federal agencies that are constantly monitoring them, making sure that they are always safe to be taken and used by the members of the community.

There are two kinds of permits that can be granted. The waste water discharge permit is given when the treatment can result to the discharge of the waste water such as backwash to the surface water.

On the other hand, NPDES, or the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, is being issued by the Department of Ecology.

Why the Need for a General Permit

NPDES is a type of general permit. It may be similar to the discharge permit given to wastewater treatment facilities; however, this general permit is being given not just to one but actually a group of water treatment plants.

These plants have applied the same processes in producing clean water. Why are general permits given?

A state, for example, is composed of cities. They may have their own water treatment plant. Customizing each permit for every facility can actually be cumbersome for the federal agencies. They are a waste of time, money, and effort.

Granting of Permits

Usually, a water treatment station that has an excellent filtration system can be granted general permit. This is because it has the same manner of processing water as well as treating wastewater discharge.

The general permit will provide them of rules and conditions that they have to adhere to, especially when it comes to protection of the environment.

However, it doesn't mean that these plants for water treatment can't apply for individual permits. They may do, granted that they are qualified for individual coverage. They should also submit their application to the right federal authority.

Coverage of the General Permits

The general permits given to a water treatment plant may be composed of four things: production capacity of the facility, discharge of surface water, primary function, and its filtration treatment.

Production Capacity of the Water Treatment Plant
The plant for water treatment should be able to produce a minimum of 50,000 gallons of treated water every day before they can actually be granted with a general permit. The maximum output is based on how many gallons of water that the plant can produce in a span of 24 hours or at its peak time.

Discharge of Surface Water
The general permit is only limited to the release of wastewater into the surface water, such as the ponds, rivers, streams, wetlands, and other water courses that are found within the state.

Primary Function
The approval of the general permit should be in line to the primary purpose of the facility-that is, to treat and distribute water to various homes and establishments that may be located within the area. A general permit is not handed to facilities that could be using treated water for the production of paper.

Filtration Treatment
Only filtration processes are being recognized by the general permit. If you are using other form of treatment systems, perhaps osmosis or ozone, you may have to apply for an individual permit.

If the plant has been discharging waste water through sedimentation basin washdown or filter backwash, it can be approved of a general permit.

Related article: Hard Water Treatment And 4 Hard Water Problems You Need To Take Care Of

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Water Treatment PlantAnd The Process Of Obtaining The General Permit

Why the Need for a General Permit

Coverage of the General Permits

Water Treatment Plant
And The Process Of Obtaining The General Permit