Wastewater treatment is something of a growing necessity. Whilst we’re all striving to turn our lives, homes and businesses into something that protects the environment instead of damaging it, the wastewater output of our industries is something that will always be a threat, and as such we must tackle it as fiercely as necessary to secure a cleaner, greener tomorrow. As the requirement increases though, so do the structures and facilities wherein the wastewater is treated, and now all over the world there are some of the most impressively sprawling developments you ever did see, all dedicated to greenifying our water. Here’s a closer look at some of the most impressive structures out there!
This cylindrical behemoth is the largest in the world, processing a mind blowing 1.44 billion gallons of water a day. The Chicago based plant opened in 1930, but only the western side; the southwestern opposite followed beginning operation in 1939. A underground pumping station that dives an unthinkable 300ft below the plant is used to pump the sewage and serve the 2.4 million Chicago residents, as well its many suburban areas.
All the way over in Boston then, this islander began life after a 1986 court order demanded something be done regarding the amounting wastewater in the harbour area. With $3.6 billion behind them, and over the course of 11 years, this incredible feat of construction was accomplished, featuring some of the largest digesters in North America. 3MW of electricity are produced from the plant, whilst fertilizer pellets are created at the rather astonishing rate of 75 tons per day.
Zipping over to China then for a bit of culture, we’re treated to this incredible plant that manages to consume the horizon entirely. It processes 528 million gallons a day, and whilst opening in 1999, was expanded significantly in 2008, allowing for modern technology to up its capacity and the addition of anaerobic digesters to the facility.
Off to Hong Kong next, as we visit Stonecutters Island, apparently not home to a peculiar society that you might remember from an old episode of The Simpsons, and in fact the harbour within which 445 million gallons of wastewater is treated every day. The plant opened in 2001 and specialises in chemically-enhanced primary treatment. The area has received the go ahead for an extensive expansion program, which will add disinfection facilities, an effluent tunnel and more new and improved treatment-focused additions.
Egypt’s magnificent Cairo is the destination for this massive 449 million gallon treatment plant, and massive it needs to be, as it services the region’s six million residents. One of the most versatile facilities, the plant provides sludge thickening, chlorination, sedimentation and grit removal as well as anaerobic digestion. Interestingly, a 40 acre farm adjacent to the facility grows olives, lemons and flowers and uses water irrigated from the treatment plant.
So there we have it, five of the most impressive wastewater structures the world has to offer. But inevitably not for long; with the aforementioned growth of the industry, there’ll no doubt be a bigger, better plant along at some point soon, as we march towards a more ecological future!
This article was written by Rob Vicars of Envrionmental Screening and Separation; wastewater treatment experts providing news and updates on the industry, as well as a range of high quality equipment to allow you to provide the best possible treatment for your clients!
Ever wished your mobile phone could do more than just send memes and crush candies? Well, buckle up, because we're about to take your mobile…
As of 2023, 106 million people worldwide had bitcoins but the currency's influence on the environment is disproportionate. The primary method of cryptomining, known as…
In today’s modern world, where environmental issues are becoming more and more important, teaching kids to be environmentally conscious and eco-friendly is crucial to building…
Our houses offer a safe haven from the outside world amid the chaos of modern life. However, common contaminants emitted by furniture, cleaning supplies, and…
Scrap metal recycling stands as a cornerstone of sustainable waste management, playing a pivotal role in mitigating the environmental impact of metal production and waste…
If the worry of affording your next energy bill is giving you sleepless nights, you’re not alone. Millions of people in the UK have this…
View Comments
Those are really impressive structures. I wonder how much each of these water treatment industries invested to come up with such big structures. I totally agree, there will be more to come as water treatment is essential.
Do water treatment plans have to be that big? Those are really huge! They are totally impressive. I think there will better and bigger water treatment plants rising in the future as they are needed. I'm thinking, that will be the next stage in the water treatment plan.
The above are not water but waste-water (sewage) treatment plants. To plants treat waste-water generated from the cities' inhabitants ,before the effluents are allowed to be discharged to the receiving water bodies.
which is the best sewage treatment plant in electric use?
Detroit. Is in the top 5, thus your info is flawed. I also believe that Montreal is in the top 5 as well.
Montreal has the largest one (7 600 000 cubic meter/day, more than 2 billion gallons a day)