Stormwater vs. Wastewater Know The Difference

stormwater-vs-wastewater-know-the-difference

Published: Mar. 28, 2023 | by Wahaso Water Harvesting Solutions

Stormwater Retention Systems

It is essential to protect our environment and maintain it. One of the easiest ways to do this is through proper stormwater detention solutions, using stormwater retention systems. You can find retention systems in both residential and commercial properties. They are used to help prevent water runoff and any potential damage that may occur due to that runoff.

Stormwater vs. Wastewater – Know the Difference

There are some significant differences between stormwater and wastewater treatment in water management. Many folks have heard the terms stormwater and wastewater thrown around as if they’re interchangeable—but they couldn’t be more different! Understanding the difference between the two helps you stay informed and make intelligent decisions regarding your water use and environmental impact.

What Is Stormwater?

Stormwater is the runoff of rain, snow, and ice from a property or surrounding areas. Rainwater runoff can cause a multitude of problems if not properly managed. Water collected on streets, parking lots, and driveways gets washed into storm drains when it rains or snows.

This water often picks up harmful chemicals, oil, and grease left behind by vehicles. Stormwater may also pick up trash, litter, and pet waste before it flows into our local waterways. Stormwater harvesting systems carry water to rivers and lakes, harming aquatic life.

What Is Wastewater?

Wastewater is water that contains some pollutants or contaminants. All wastewaters are treated before being discharged into lakes, rivers, and oceans. Much of our domestic wastewater—such as toilets and showers—into sewer systems, which flow to wastewater treatment plants for processing before being discharged into streams or rivers.

What are the Dangers of Stormwater and Wastewater?

Water from both sources pollutes our environment, causing health issues for people, animals, and plants. Whether treated or untreated, wastewater ultimately finds its way into rivers, streams, lakes, and oceans- sometimes via underground water sources. It’s easy to assume groundwater is pure-and it usually is-but. Unfortunately, well water contaminated with sewage is a common cause of diseases associated with wastewater.

Because of people not being careful, stormwater can also be dangerous. Stormwater runoff can kill aquatic life and make our waterways unhealthy. Stormwater entering our streams can contaminate our drinking water supply or shellfish waters; prevent swimming, fishing, or boating; pose health risks to the public, and increase flooding.

Where to Find Commercial Stormwater Detention Services

Stormwater refers to any rainfall that hits impervious surfaces and doesn’t absorb into the ground. At the same time, wastewater, also known as sewage, comes from homes and businesses that flow into sanitary sewer systems or septic tanks. Not all rainwater in your city flows through storm drains; some of it goes directly into lakes, rivers, and oceans.

Stormwater retention systems are a great way to help protect water quality. It can also help reduce flooding and erosion and improve the aesthetics of an area. The system should manage water during heavy rains while still being cost-effective, easy to maintain, and using environmentally friendly materials. If you are interested in commercial rainwater detention services for your property, please contact us.

Wahaso offers state-of-the-art Commercial Stormwater Detention Services. Contact us for a Free Estimate.

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Water Harvesting Solutions

Tags: stormwater vs. wastewater, stormwater retention systems, what is stormwater, what is wastewater

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