International World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. The 2017 theme is, "Why Wastewater" which focuses on wastewater and the ways to reduce and reuse.
Over 80% of all the wastewater worldwide from homes, cities, industries and agriculture flows back into nature, which pollutes the environment.
Here in Loudoun County, we are fortunate to have the resources available to provide safe, clean drinking water as well as the ability to treat our wastewater. Our Broad Run Water Reclamation Facility first opened in 2008 and treats about 4 million gallons per day (MGD) of sewage with the total current capacity of 11 MGD. Of the 4 MGD that is currently treated, about 1 MGD is distributed back to Loudoun Water customers as reclaimed water.
Wastewater is treated at Broad Run to a high degree using preliminary and primary treatment, secondary/biological treatment, ultra-filtration, and ultraviolet radiation for disinfection. Solids handling processes include combined primary and waste activated solids thickening, aerobic digestion, and dewatering. Highly treated effluent is released into nearby waterways. The system also allows wastewater to become reclaimed water, which can be reused for non-potable purposes. Visit our Reclaimed Water Program page to read more about the program.
Broad Run is currently planning future upgrades and expansions to allow Loudoun Water to serve future growth while meeting the stringent regulatory requirements associated with the Dulles Area Watershed Policy and Chesapeake Bay protection goals. To read more about the Broad Run expansion, visit the Current Projects page.
Interested in learning more about International World Water Day? Learn more on their website.