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Wastewater Reclamation Division
Process
The City of Alamogordo Waste Water Reclamation Facility is an SBR (Sequencing batch reactor). Basically, a series of mixing, aeration, and settling processes are used to remove nitrates and nitrites without using chemicals. After this process, the clear water is then held in the contact chambers with chlorine to kill any pathogens. Finally, it flows to our reservoirs to be used for irrigation in our Parks, Schools, Ballfields, and Golf Courses
We believe recycling as much water as possible from the wastewater system is essential in our desert environment.
Watering our green spaces with effluent water helps us to utilize water that would otherwise be processed and then released into the desert. We have limited storage for effluent water that is used to water our green spaces. With the high number of green spaces to be watered, you may see sprinklers going at times when household water with our city’s drinking water would not be allowed.
Responsibility
The Wastewater Reclamation Division is responsible for only the main sewer line. This line receives wastewater from homes and businesses. Those homes and businesses are responsible for the service lines. Service lines are the sewer lines that from the house or business to the main sewer line.
Things that should never enter into the sewer system
Sanitary Wipes
Even when the packaging says flushable, they do not break down in the sewer system and wind up entangled in bar screens and pumps at the wastewater plant. All must be mechanically removed. Many residential blockages are caused by a buildup of wipes.
Grease
Grease and oils do not mix with water. Pouring greases and oils down sinks can create blockages in the resident’s plumbing. Fats Oils and Greases will bond together in sewer mains and cause backups. They also produce the bacteria that can generate horrible odors from the fats, oils, and greases that cause problems with the biological process at the treatment plant.
Vehicle Products
Engine oil, antifreeze, transmission oil, brake oil. All these products should be disposed of at the convenience center on LaVelle Rd. Not down a sewer drain!!
Disposable Toilet Bowl Scrubbers
Although convenient they also do not break down in the sewer system. The way they look when flushed is how they look when they arrive at the Wastewater Reclamation Facility (WRF). If they make it that far.
Medications
In the past, it was common practice to flush old and unused medications down the toilet. Some meds cannot be removed through the Waste Water treatment process. They eventually end up in the water table. All old and or unused medications should be disposed of @ Department of public safety for any pill form medications and all other medications like inhalers or injectables would go to the health office.
Feminine Products
Feminine hygiene products are not supposed to be flushed down the toilet. Again, they do not break down and end up entangled in plant machinery.
Other Items Include
Dental floss, Q-tips, cotton balls, paper towels/tissues, diapers, masks, gloves, cigarette butts, Hypodermic needles, Paints of all types, thinners, and spirits.