City of Yorkton Water Treatment Plant Wastewater Reuse Feasibility Study

The City of Yorktown is currently designing a new water treatment plant that will replace its three existing plants and meet the water demand needs to the year 2030, with the opportunity for future expansion. This study will assess the feasibility of eliminating the discharge of backwash wastewater from the water treatment process. Wastewater created by backwashing is typically discharged into the sanitary sewer collection system for treatment at the pollution control plant; however, the City’s overall sewer network is approaching capacity. As a result, the City is interested in implementing a “green” design to reclaim and reuse the backwash wastewater. The study will evaluate various process options for on-site wastewater treatment and re-use, including a constructed wetland and green space irrigation. Should the recommendations of the study be implemented, the City expects a 42 percent reduction in the volume of wastewater entering the pollution control plant. Greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity and natural gas use in the plant will be reduced also. Additional environmental benefits include less strain on the sanitary sewer collection and treatment systems, a decrease in chemical usage, a decrease in the use of potable water for irrigation, and an increase in waterfowl habitat and biodiversity.