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Wastewater workers wish for a fatberg-free holiday

Dec 26, 2022
Our sewers work overtime at this time of year.
A wastewater treatment plant in Oakland, California. Wastewater workers are urging people to be mindful about disposing of grease and oil, which can wreak havoc on sewer systems.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

To make the most of a new Ford electric truck plant, Tennessee neighbors need sewer help

Dec 21, 2022
Ford needed a sewer line to build its $5.6 billion plant in Tennessee. But neighboring communities now have to build their own wastewater system to accommodate new residents who come for the new plant jobs.
The town of Mason has its own utility system including water and sewer. Utilities have been the most difficult hurdle to overcome in developing the West Tennessee megasite.
Blake Farmer/WPLN News

Treating wastewater at the bottom of the world

Aug 8, 2017
"Just like the children's book 'Everyone Poops,' it's definitely the ultimate in job security."
Jeanne Sabin riding snowmobiles on Ross Island. 
Photo Courtesy Jeanne Sabin

The underground story of what happens to wastewater

Feb 1, 2016
Conserving water in drought areas actually makes treating wastewater more difficult.
 A wastewater treatment plant is inundated by the Yazoo River floodwaters near Yazoo City, Mississippi.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

Using sewage to measure habits in the legal pot market

Jul 13, 2015
Think of it like an anonymous, communitywide drug test.

What's the history of sewage treatment? How do biosolids fit in?

Aug 2, 2010
The circle of life. Milorganite pellets (photo above) are made from recycled waste, aka biosolids, and used to help fertilize crops and improve l...