Question:
What becomes of human waste when it arrives at a water purification plant & turned into clean water to drink?

We know it is skimmed off the top as it rises to the top and filtered. But, what do they do with the stinky stuff that's left behind? Same goes for urine! Whe knows, somewhere along the way you might be drinking the water you got rid of at the "adult watering hole" (the toilet bowl). Ugly thought isn't it?

Answer: Ultimately the solids that are collected from the waste water treatment plants go into landfill facilities. I worked at a treatment plant for 6 months, so I know. All you people who think you're reducing your contribution to landfill (garbage dumps) by sending food left-overs, eggshells, orange peels and the like down the garbage disposal, think again. The treatment plant collects and sends it right over there for you!

All solids are treated....human waste included. Primary sedimentation tanks are used first. Some items sink, like eggshells, and are collected off the bottom of the tank, other items float and are skimmed off. Then the water continues to Secondary treatment. Biological agents are introduced. Microscopic organisms feed on the waste, get fat and heavy and sink. Again more scraping up off the bottom, more skimming. Some facilities use a DAFT or Dissolved Air Floatation Tank, again more collection of floatables.

Each step the water gets cleaner. Also water samples are taken from each phase, dehydrated and weighed to measure residual dissolved solids to insure effective processes. Eventually the final chemical treatment, chlorination and other chemicals to kill any leftover bacteria or viruses, then off the water goes back into the rivers or bays nearby. The EFFLUENT (final water product leaving the treatment plant) is completly sanitized and is drinkable.