They've been recycling municipal/industrial wastewater in Muskegon, Michigan since 1972. The system initially consisting of three 10-acre treatment ponds, a 1,700 acre storage lagoon and 10,500 acres of irrigated farmland had a capacity of 42 million gpd back then. Its operating and maintenance costs were about 2/3 the cost of conventional secondary treatment. The system still operates today and has expanded capacity. In addition to exceptionally clean water, the system produces crops sold for livestock consumption that contributes significantly to the system operating cost and the local economy. It has also spawned many other benefits for the region.
Published by James Williamson
They've been recycling municipal/industrial wastewater in Muskegon, Michigan since 1972. The system initially consisting of three 10-acre treatment ponds, a 1,700 acre storage lagoon and 10,500 acres of irrigated farmland had a capacity of 42 million gpd back then. Its operating and maintenance costs were about 2/3 the cost of conventional secondary treatment. The system still operates today and has expanded capacity. In addition to exceptionally clean water, the system produces crops sold for livestock consumption that contributes significantly to the system operating cost and the local economy. It has also spawned many other benefits for the region.