Cold weather effect on Sewage Treatment System

As we approach the bleak mid-winter, your sewage treatment system may be at the back of your mind (and covered in a foot of snow) but should we be taking more notice of what is happening to our waste?

Winter weather can impact sewage treatment systems in various ways. In colder climates, the most immediate concern is the potential for freezing. Water in pipes, tanks, and other components can freeze, leading to blockages and damage. To prevent this, systems in cold should be designed with insulation, heating elements, or other measures to keep the infrastructure above freezing temperatures.

Cold temperatures can also slow down the activity of the microorganisms responsible for breaking down organic matter in sewage. Biological treatment processes can slow down in winter, potentially leading to increased retention times and reduced treatment effectiveness. In a hand full of cases, cold temperatures have caused the solids in sewage to settle more quickly, leading to increased sludge accumulation in treatment tanks. Frozen ground conditions can also lead to increased inflow when thawing occurs, as melted snow and ice may enter the sewer system.

Cold weather can pose challenges in meeting environmental agency permit discharge standards. Reduced treatment efficiency and increased operational difficulties can impact an owners ability to comply with environmental regulations. To mitigate these challenges, sewage treatment systems in cold climates should be checked more regularly for any of the below signs.

• Frozen Pipes
• Poor Effluent Quality
• A build-up of sludge
• Flooding

If you suspect that your sewage treatment system is at risk of polluting the environment, give our team a call on 01388 537050. Our servicing and emptying teams are always on hand to respond to emergency callouts for servicing customers.