If you have recently started a new position with a company that purchases and uses wastewater treatment chemicals, you may have many questions about the chemicals, including what types of chemicals are available and why they are used. Understanding more about these chemicals may help you to better understand your position and/or the company you are working for. Here are a few of the frequently asked questions you may have about wastewater treatment chemicals and the answers. 

What Are the Different Types of Wastewater Treatment Chemicals That Are Used?

There are four different types of wastewater treatment chemicals that are used to treat wastewater that is produced by industrial businesses. These types of chemicals are coagulants, anti-forming agents, flocculants and pH neutralizers. The pH neutralizers are the most common type of wastewater treatment chemicals that are used. The exact type of chemicals that are used will vary based on what is in the wastewater and why the items that the wastewater contains are harmful to the environment. 

What Do Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Do? 

Wastewater treatment chemicals are designed to neutralize items in wastewater that can be hazardous to the environment, including to the water itself, as well as the animals that may live in the areas where the wastewater is being deposited, such as sewers that drain to local streams. Both state agencies and federal agencies regulate what types of chemicals need to be used based on the hazards that may be present in the wastewater. Ultimately, the goal is to neutralize the waste so it is safe to enter sewers and water sources. 

Why Are Companies Required to Use Wastewater Treatment Chemicals? 

Companies are required to use wastewater treatment chemicals because, without the use of the chemicals, the wastewater that is being removed can be harmful to the environment. For example, wastewater that is not pH-balanced can kill fish as it enters a stream. This can affect all of the animals who eat fish in the area. Wastewater treatment chemicals are designed to protect the environment. 

If you are working for a company that utilizes wastewater treatment chemicals, the company is following local and federal laws that require them to treat and neutralize wastewater that their company produces before it can be disposed of through the normal disposal methods. This is a positive sign and it should provide you with peace of mind that your company is doing their part to meet their obligations as required by law and to do their part to ensure water sources are safe for wildlife and humans. 

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