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The Holland Board of Public Works 2016 Annual Report

Wastewater

Reclaiming Our Water

Wastewater comes from the North and South, from businesses and residents to the Holland Water Reclamation Facility (WRF). The crew works to keep our community safe by reclaiming our water. There's a lot to know about wastewater, from transportation to treatment. Check out these articles to see how the WRF is working for your community.

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What is OK to Flush?

The answer is quite simple: Toilet paper. “Flushable” wipes? Think twice. Like facial tissues or feminine hygiene products, these do not break down quickly in water and can clog your household pipes and public sewer lines. Throw these and baby wipes out in your regular garbage.

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Responsible Business

Water from the desalting and sanitation processes travels down to Heinz’s wastewater treatment center for pretreatment before going to the BPW’s Water Reclamation facility. Gravity moves the water to its first stop, which is a 40,000-gallon tank on the lowest point of the property. The tank features an agitator to reduce sediment build up and a 6,000 gallon/minute pump that lifts the water towards the treatment center. “We’re proud to have a dedicated, qualified wastewater treatment team on staff at the plant,” Marena said.

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Working With Gravity

When our community’s residents and businesses are finished with water, it enters into a robust collection system where it flows mostly by gravity to the Holland area water reclamation facility. Our facility uses a natural process, accelerated by modern technology, to restore the water and return it to the environment. In fact, the final effluent pumped into Lake Macatawa is cleaner than the lake itself.

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Engineered for Improvement

Joel Davenport’s passion for utilities began after working for a civil engineering firm where he helped design and construct water and wastewater utility projects. As his interest grew, he started looking for opportunities to become further involved in the operation, maintenance and administration of public utilities. Joel found a position to do just that with the Holland Board of Public Works.

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Getting More for Less

The Holland Area Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) processes approximately nine million gallons of wastewater per day. The 19 employees at the WRF serve the not just the City of Holland, but also five adjacent townships (Holland Charter, Park, Fillmore, Laketown, and Zeeland) for a total of over 90,000 residents.

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How It Works

Our facility uses a natural process, accelerated by modern technology, to restore the water and return it to the environment. In fact,the final effluent pumped into Lake Macatawa is cleaner than the lake itself.

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