Before there were sewage systems, waste disposal was practically nonexistent. It was common for urine and feces to end up in rivers, on roads, or in poorly constructed pits near dwellings. This situation created a breeding ground for many dangerous germs and bacteria. Communities without proper waste disposal suffered from widespread outbreaks of serious illnesses, such as typhoid fever, cholera and dysentery, and this made life expectancy much shorter. This is because human waste contains disease-causing microorganisms that can easily contaminate food, drinking water and the air we breathe. The science behind how sewage systems protect us from these contaminants is fascinating.

The Sewer System Revolutionizes Lives

When sewage systems came onto the scene, they truly revolutionized public health and safety. These networks of underground pipes are specifically engineered to collect wastewater from homes, business establishments, industrial factories and other buildings and transport it to treatment plants in less populated areas. Because the waste is carried to remote locations, the likelihood of it being a contamination risk is slim to none. This innovation was the turning point in preventing epidemics of illnesses from drinking contaminated water.

The Science of Flow and Containment

Gravity and containment are the principles of science on which sewage systems rely. The pipes are installed at an angle so that gravity can push the wastewater downhill to treatment centers. This setup also prevents stagnation, which can be disastrous because it can lead to backups that will cause local contamination. The networks of pipes also remained sealed so that waste did not leak out during transport. Without this carefully engineered system of flow and containment, the risks to public health would be significantly higher, as communities would be more vulnerable to waterborne illnesses.

Wastewater Treatment: The Final Step

Once the wastewater arrives at treatment plants, it undergoes a sanitation process. At this stage, a series of biological, physical and chemical processes remove pollutants including bacteria and viruses. This part of the treatment process is critical to make certain that the water released into the rivers and oceans will not cause harm to ecosystems or public health. The treatment plants complete the cycle of sanitation.

The Ongoing Importance of Sanitation

While we hardly ever think about them, sewage systems are a key component of maintaining public health. To ensure that they do their part, we all must work together to maintain them.

Part of maintaining local sewage systems includes home and business owners scheduling regular maintenance on their sewer lines. This is important because poorly maintained sewer lines can have a negative impact on public health, especially if they leak waste into the environment. This can happen if they develop cracks over time or collapse.

It is best to schedule a professional inspection every two to three years. Homes and businesses with cast iron pipes will benefit from annual inspections. If it has been a while since your last sewer line inspection, contact Harmon Plumbing Services, Inc. in Durham, NC.