Ever wonder what happens to the wastewater that is generated by the citizens and businesses of the City of Odessa? The water is discharged into wastewater collection lines that carry it to the Bob Derrington Water Reclamation Plant. As it enters the plant, it passes through a flow meter, which measures the volume of water to be treated. Generally, the plant receives about 6 million gallons of water per day. The water then goes through a bar screen which removes rags, rocks and other large objects. From the bar screens the water is diverted to one of two oxidation ditches, which actually look like racetracks. As the water enters the ditches, it is mixed with return sludge, which is a mixture of microorganisms that breaks down the organic material in the wastewater. To provide the best environment for the microorganisms, air is added to the water through rotors (paddle-like mechanisms) and the microorganisms are given plenty of time to do their work as they travel around the ditches. The water leaves the ditches and goes to final clarifiers. In these structures, the microorganisms (sludge) are allowed to settle to the bottom of the clarifier. The clarified water is then taken to chlorine contact basins where it is disinfected. Although the water is very clean at this point, one more level of treatment is provided – filtration. By filtering the water through sand media, the water meets the high quality standards required for the customers who reuse the water. The sludge that settles to the bottom of the final clarifiers is handled in two ways. A portion of it, called return sludge, is sent back to the oxidation ditch to treat new wastewater entering the plant. A portion of it is no longer needed for the process, so it is wasted from the plant. This waste activated sludge is taken to belt presses, where through a mechanical and chemical process, water is removed from the sludge. The dewatered sludge is taken to the landfill for disposal. The water from this process is returned to the plant for treatment. What happens to the treated water (effluent)? As mentioned, we have several customers who reuse the water and in doing so help preserve the water resources in West Texas. Huntsman uses the reuse water in its cooling towers and other industrial activities. Odessa Country Club, The Links, Ratliff Ranch, UTPB and the Texas Department of Transportation all use the effluent for irrigation of their grounds. The City also uses the water to irrigate UTPB Park and maintain the water levels in Memorial Gardens. There is even a residential reuse area in Odessa. Even with this very active reuse program, there is still water that is not used. This water is treated with sulfur dioxide to remove the chlorine before it is discharged to Monahan's Draw under a permit issued by the State. Hopefully, this information will assist our customers in understanding the efforts extended by the Utilities Department to ensure Odessa’s wastewater is properly treated and reused wherever possible to help conserve our potable water supplies. Odessans can take pride in knowing that over the years, the Derrington Plant and the reuse program have received awards from the State and water organizations.