The community is invited to visit the Water Resource Recovery Facility to learn about all the work that takes place at the plant. All ages are welcome!
*Tours must be reserved in advance and will run every 20 minutes, with the last tour starting at 11:40 a.m. Click on a time slot below to reserve a spot:
The Water Resource Recovery Facility is responsible for the effective collection, treatment and environmentally acceptable discharge of the wastewater generated by the Ann Arbor community as well as portions of Ann Arbor, Pittsfield and Scio townships. Wastewater Treatment Services is
responsible for the operation and maintenance of the City's wastewater treatment plant and eight sewage lift stations located around the city. Personnel are in attendance at all times, as the plant is a operation, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Don't treat toilets and drains as trash cans!
The primary function of the sewer system is to convey human wastes and water. The following products should never be flushed:
- Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG)
- Disposable wipes, rags and other rubbish
- Pharmaceuticals (prescription and non-prescription medicines)
- Household hazardous wastes: paints, solvents, insecticides, herbicides, etc.
We can take simple steps to help keep plumbing and sewer systems clear of clogs. "Flushable wipes" create blockages in household pipes and municipal sewer systems and should never be flushed down the toilet, nor should facial tissue or paper towels. Combined with fats, oil and greases, which should never be poured down the sink, these products can create enormous, and expensive to remove, "fatbergs".
Learn easy ways to help keep the Ann Arbor sewer system efficient and functional. Find out what not to flush, how to deal with fat, oil and greases, and how to prevent sewer pipe penetration.
Projects
Headworks Improvement
The headworks systems provide initial treatment to remove debris (screenings) and grit from the water as the first stage of treatment, which prevents damage to downstream equipment and systems. The existing headworks consists of three mechanical bar screens, three screw compactors and two grit removal systems including pumps, swirl separator and grit washer. The bar screens were installed in 1989 and in 2000 and require frequent repair and rebuilding. The grit system was also installed in 2000 and has required pump replacement and rebuilding of the swirl concentrators and washers over time. In addition, accumulation of grit downstream of the removal system indicates the efficiency of the grit system is significantly diminished and negatively impacts downstream equipment and systems. The cost and frequency for maintenance of the headworks have increased and parts for the screening systems are no longer available and must be custom fabricated. These systems are nearing the end of their useful life and are in need of replacement to ensure effective screenings and grit removal.
The Headworks Improvement Project includes replacement of the bar screens, grit removal equipment, screening and grit processing equipment, and installation of odor control improvements for the headworks buildings.
Spence Brothers of Ann Arbor, Michigan began construction in September of 2022. The new south screen and grit removal system are completed and in operation. The north screens have been installed and are in operation. The odor control building is expected to be completed in service by April of 2024. The north grit removal system is expected to be completed in June of 2024.
Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection Replacement
The Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) currently uses a UV system to disinfect final effluent. In service since December 2000, it has reached the end of it's useful life, with parts and equipment no longer being made, therefore it must be replaced.
During the preliminary design and UV disinfection equipment selection, it became apparent that we need to construct an enclosure for the UV disinfection system, which was not included in the original design scope. The existing system is located below a metal canopy and is exposed to weather, which makes routine maintenance difficult during inclement weather. The new UV disinfection system will utilize touch screen controls, UV sensors and a mechanical bulb wiping system. Enclosing the new UV disinfection system within a metal structure will increase the longevity of the new equipment and provide the highest level of safety for staff.
Commercial Contracting Corporation of Auburn Hills, Michigan is expected to begin construction of the new UV Disinfection System in the Summer of 2024.
