What is a water reclamation facility?
Commonly referred to as a wastewater or sewage treatment plant, a water reclamation facility (WRF) cleans wastewater used by homes and businesses so that it can be safely returned to the environment. A WRF uses a biological process to remove almost all pollutants from wastewater, including nitrogen and phosphorus. The wastewater then goes through filtration and ultraviolet disinfection, which treat the wastewater to levels such that it can be reused for non-potable purposes like lawn irrigation. A WRF is supervised and operated by highly trained staff who have received additional training in the safe operation, supervision, and monitoring of reclaimed water systems. Routine testing and monitoring of critical water quality parameters within the reclaimed water system provide additional quality assurance. The Division of Water Quality within the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) sets requirements for the treatment of wastewater and the reuse of clean
