History
The City of Atlanta’s
wastewater collection, conveyance and treatment system consists of
approximately 2,000 miles of sanitary and combined sewers, seven
combined sewer overflow (CSO) treatment plants, two CSO regulators,
four water reclamation centers (WRCs) and sixteen pump stations.
Atlanta’s sewer system
dates back to the 19th Century, and much of the original infrastructure
remains.
In the City’s center, in an area roughly 19 square miles, a combined sewer
system conveys sewage and stormwater flows in a single pipe. The combined system
represents about 15% of the total wastewater system area. Beyond the 19-square-mile
combined sewer area, Atlanta’s sewers are separated. Sanitary wastewater
flows in its own pipe to the treatment facility, and stormwater flows in a separate
pipe directly into a receiving stream.
Atlanta’s sewer systems are aged and in disrepair. Excessive overflows
from the combined sewer system, coupled with sanitary sewer overflows and leaks
in the separated area, have negatively impacted area water quality. Combined
Sewer Area is shown above in orange Atlanta’s Combined Sewer System was
completed around 1920.
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