Lee County operator explains how wastewater is treated and prepared for reuse

Tino Cinnabaldi, lead operator at the Gateway Water Reclamation Facility, gave a plain-language overview of how Lee County treats residents’ wastewater and how treated water and biosolids are managed.

Cinnabaldi opened by saying, "Today, we're talking about what happens after you flush your toilet or drain your sink," and framed the talk as a public-education briefing about the county’s treatment system. He explained that wastewater in Lee County travels through gravity sewer lines, force mains and lift stations to one of six water reclamation facilities for treatment.

He described the first treatment step at the headworks, where "large debris is removed using mechanical bar screens," followed by grit removal to protect equipment. Cinnabaldi said biological treatment — in which "helpful microorganisms break down organic material" in large basins — is the core process for reducing organic load. After biological treatment the water moves to clarifiers "where solids settle out," and the plant then removes nutrients such as phosphorus, filters the water, and disinfects it to eliminate harmful pathogens.

"What's left behind? Clean, highly treated water that can be safely reused for approved purposes and biosolids that are further treated and responsibly managed," Cinnabaldi said. He added that Lee County’s reclamation facilities have been upgraded over time to meet growing community needs and that the county continues to invest in long-term planning and capital projects.

Cinnabaldi concluded by emphasizing the public-health and environmental benefits of wastewater treatment and reuse and directed listeners to leegov.com/utilities for further information.