Government/Municipal Water Infrastructure Explained
The EPA classifies public water systems as any that provides at least 15 service connections or serves 25 people on average for at least 60 days in a year. The U.S. contains more than 148,000 public water systems, serving families that consume 300 gallons per day on average. Municipal water suppliers also handle commercial demand.
Community water treatment systems follow a few steps to meet the needs of their residents and businesses, including:
- Finding supply: Municipal water systems draw water from nearby freshwater sources such as lakes, rivers or streams. The city’s infrastructure treats the water to remove harmful bacteria and, in some cases, add nutrients. The city will send its water through a network of pipes that connect with buildings.
- Filtering sewage: Each building receiving city water also has sewage pipes that flow into an underground network. These pipes carry wastewater to the community’s treatment facility.
- Treating water: Water treatment involves various steps to remove particles and bacteria, add chemicals and release the wastewater into the environment. The most sustainable city water systems can recycle through an on-site reclamation system.
Benefits of Sustainable On-Site Water Infrastructures
On-site community water treatment brings various benefits for communities, the businesses within them and the surrounding environment. City water management systems that treat water for reuse can:
- Supply cleaner water: On-site community-scale water systems can meet the city’s demand with high volumes of cleaner water than those without treatment infrastructures.
- Encourage economic development: As many as 78% of the world’s jobs require water, meaning a consistent supply is essential to any city’s growth.
- Achieve sustainability goals: Water treatment can ensure the entire community makes the most of every gallon.
NSU’s Work in Municipal Water
NSU has developed and operated various water treatment systems for communities for over 37 years. Our municipal wastewater treatment programs and other government water infrastructure services help communities work toward net-zero water. One of NSU’s most successful endeavors, an operation contract with the Town of Phillipsburg in New Jersey, produces 4.3 million gallons daily for 28,000 residents while saving the town $200,000 each year. The NSU operations staff ensure this wastewater treatment facility functions at full capacity and peak efficiency.
Speak With an NSU Representative
NSU’s municipal clients can choose a water treatment service that satisfies precise needs. We encourage you to contact us online to discuss your community.
