From Waste to Water 

Liberty Hill's Wastewater Treatment Plant uses high-tech processes and innovative technology to treat our community's wastewater for the protection of human health and the environment. This job doesn't rest solely on the shoulders of our dedicated plant workers. The wastewater treatment process starts at home!

Wastewater Treatment Steps

1. CUSTOMER – The customer is the first step in the treatment process and must not allow fats, oils, grease, or any items containing phosphates, nitrates, or ammonia nitrogens to enter the system. The water that goes down our drains and toilets collects in the sewer, where it’s transported to a nearby lift station.
2. LIFT STATIONS - Once the waste leaves the customer, it is pumped to a nearby lift station that pushes the waste to the wastewater plant for treatment. These lift stations are critical to the process, and anything introduced that the pump cannot transport could damage the equipment and delay the treatment process. 
3. HEADWORKS - The wastewater then enters the plant through the headworks entry point. Inorganic items that cannot be treated are removed and hauled away by garbage trucks. 
4. BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT – The wastewater then moves through a series of basins for anaerobic, anoxic, and pre-aeration biological treatment to meet the facility’s State Regulated Permit. Liberty Hill’s permit is one of the three most stringent in the State. 
5. FILTRATION - The conditioned wastewater is then filtered, trapping the solids known as sludge. The sludge is removed from the plant for proper disposal.
6. DISINFECTION – Once the wastewater has been completely filtered, it undergoes final disinfection.
7. REUSE TANK – Some of the treated effluent is captured in a storage tank to be reused at the plant for cleaning the equipment.
8. DISCHARGE – The remainder of the sanitary and treated effluent is discharged into our waterways. Testing throughout the process ensures the discharge protects our public health and the environment.

What can the customer do help with treatment?

The City’s sewer system is designed to carry sewer from homes and businesses to the City’s wastewater treatment plant, but it is not designed to be a second trash can for unwanted items. Flushing the wrong items can cause damage or premature wear on pumps, pipes, and other equipment in the sewer system. 

Per Ordinance Ordinance 06-O-49, the cost of repairs for discharging prohibited items will be passed on to the customer.