Wastewater is the used water supply of a community, coming from sources like baths, showers, sinks, dishwashers, washing machines and toilets located in homes, businesses and industries.

It can contain human and household waste, commercial and industrial waste, groundwater and, in many cases, stormwater runoff. The average American contributes an estimated 100 gallons of wastewater each day. Although 99.99 percent is plain water, that 0.01 percent contains material that needs to be treated before being returned to the Commonwealth’s lakes, rivers and streams.

Discharges of treated wastewater to surface waters are permitted under the Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) program.

Wastewater Treatment

Treatment processes can range from relatively simple to very complex. Specific processes vary according to the source and volume, but in general untreated wastewater (influent) is collected then treated (effluent) so that it is in compliance with permit requirements. It may then be discharged from the treatment plant without endangering public health or damaging the environment. 

For most communities, a system similar to the one described below provides treatment to remove solids, materials that will consume oxygen and organisms that could potentially cause disease if released to the environment.

1. Preliminary Treatment: Removes debris that could damage plant equipment.
2. Primary Treatment: Removes the majority of the settleable solids.
3. Secondary Treatment: Removes organic matter through biological oxidation and settling.
4. Advanced Treatment: Removes solids, nitrogen, phosphorus and other pollutants, such as color and metals.
5. Disinfection: Removes organisms that may cause disease.
6. Solids Handling: Treats the solids removed from the wastewater to allow safe and economical disposal.

Wastewater Operator Licensing

Virginia requires that any individual operating a wastewater treatment plant (as defined by the law) must have a license of the appropriate category and class. Plant classifications are based on the volume of water treated and the complexity of the treatment system. Plant classes range from 1-4. Class 1 facilities are the largest and/or most complex treatment systems operated in Virginia.

Responsibility for administration of the licensing program is assigned to the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). (Additional information and program contacts are available on the DPOR Board for Water Works, Wastewater Works and Onsite Sewage System Professionals page.)

Wastewater Training and Assistance 

DEQ recognizes that competent, well-trained operating staff at wastewater treatment facilities is a critical component in its efforts to protect Virginia's waters and improve the environment. It also recognizes that without a continuing supply of well-trained professionals, the maximum benefit from the public and private investments in treatment facilities will not be achieved.

In recognition of this need, the operator training and assistance program (part of DEQ’s Office of Water Compliance) provides training and assistance to Virginia's localities, industries, businesses, schools and others. The goal is to ensure wastewater treatment facilities are operated efficiently by competent personnel to achieve compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

The operator training and assistance program achieves its mission by:

• Developing and conducting specialized training for treatment professionals.
• Partnering with educational institutions to provide low-cost training opportunities for operator licensure candidates.
• Preparing low-cost training/reference materials on wastewater treatment and associated topics.
• Conducting comprehensive treatment system performance evaluations to identify factors causing non-compliance.
• Providing short- and long-term assistance and on-site training to aid the treatment system in correcting identified problems.