515 E. Main Street     -    Phone (419) 238-1237

The general purpose of the Wastewater Treatment Plant is to meet high effluent standards to enhance water quality for the down stream users of the water.

The primary function of the wastewater plant is to provide the optimal environment for micro organisms to thrive and break down the wastewater into clean water.  Wastewater contains organic matter which can be eaten by microorganisms.  When there is too much organic matter, or "food" for the microorganisms, the wastewater remains unfit "sewage water."  When there are too many microorganisms, they eat each other which, if left unchecked, reduces the needed supply of them.  One of the primary tasks of the waste water treatment operators is to keep the microorganisms adequately balanced with the incoming waste water supply.

Prior to the seven million dollar renovation in  2000 - 2001, the plant had a 2.6 MG (million gallon) capability / 4.0 MG storm capacity.  The average day flow brought 1.8 mg to the plant; however, the city produced an 8.0 MG storm flow.   The result was a high volume of wastewater receiving little or no treatment during and after heavy rains.

Today, the plant is expected has an average flow of 2.8 MG per day with a 8 MG storm flow capability.  Pictured is the concrete floor of the aeration tank during the 2001 construction project.

Formerly, the final stage of the former treatment included disinfecting the water with chlorine, then removing the chlorine from the water.  This method used additional chemicals and produced byproducts.   The final stage after the plant upgrade is now an ultraviolet disaffection.