by Southwest EFC | Oct 1, 2026 | Compliance with Wastewater Regulations, Operations & Maintenance, Technical Assistance, Wastewater
Sludge boat © Jeff Severin, WSU EFC Sludge measurements in a wastewater lagoon often take a backseat to other operational priorities. Many operators don’t have easy access to a boat or sludge measurement equipment. Others may have safety concerns about working...
by AJ Barney | Sep 30, 2026 | Conservation, Energy Management, Managerial & Financial Leadership, Operations & Maintenance, Rates, Small Water Systems, Utility Management, Wastewater
Energy costs represent a large expense for most wastewater systems. Systems require constant energy, especially for treatment processes and pumping requirements, and energy costs are expected to continue to rise. Energy costs are not typically assessed for possible...
by AJ Barney | Sep 30, 2026 | Compliance with Wastewater Regulations, Operations & Maintenance, Operator Certification, Wastewater
Many operators are familiar with the theory of determining the solids concentration in activated sludge and performing related calculations, but it is not always in the scope of their duties to collect samples and perform the needed analysis to obtain that data. This...
by Southwest EFC | Sep 23, 2026 | Compliance with Wastewater Regulations, Complying with Wastewater Regulations, Operations & Maintenance, Treatment Processes, Wastewater
Practical guidance for lagoon operators and utility personnel Algae blooms commonly develop in wastewater lagoons during warm summer months, driven by increased sunlight and nutrient availability. (Photo courtesy of the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute)...
by Southwest EFC | Aug 28, 2026 | Asset Management, Operations & Maintenance, Resilience, Wastewater
Do you have aging equipment? Looking for a way to continue operating safely and prepare for the future? Nick Willis with Wichita State University EFC, invites us to consider a few things as we evaluate the criticality, the risk, and probability of failure when it...
by Southwest EFC | Aug 26, 2026 | Operations & Maintenance, Pollution & Water Quality, Wastewater
In areas without municipal sewer systems, homeowners often rely on onsite wastewater solutions like septic tanks or cesspools. Both differ significantly in design and function and have specific best practices for maintenance and use in different regions. Cesspools...
