City Switches to Treated Effluent for Wastewater Plant Maintenance

On July 10, 2024, Texas Rural Water Association (TRWA) Wastewater Technician Nathan Cantrell met with Public Works Director Robert Buentello and Wastewater Plant Operator/Maintenance Adam Curtis with the City of Poteet. Curtis had been asked about possible ways to improve plant washdown and maintenance.

Cantrell toured the wastewater plant and observed potable water was being used for washdown and irrigation. He explained that using potable water for plant washdown and irrigation was a waste of treated water resources.

The City of Poteet charges customers $3.60 per 1000/gallons for potable water. Cantrell recommended the plant switch to the treated wastewater plant effluent for the maintenance water needed for washdown and irrigation. He discussed the changes that would be needed in the system's plumbing. This included the installation of a small pump, which the city had in stock, and the items needed to safely make the switch, such as purple pipe, non-potable water signage, and the use of a filter.

By switching to plant effluent for washdown, the city will save at least $18,688 in potable water costs annually for the conversion and will not waste potable quality water for maintenance of the wastewater plant.