Wastewater Collection · Lift Stations
What Is a Wet Well in a Lift Station?
The wet well stores incoming wastewater long enough for pumps to operate in cycles.
Wastewater enters the wet well from one or more gravity sewers. Level sensors tell the controls when to start and stop pumps. If the level becomes too low, a pump may lose cooling or draw air. If it becomes too high, upstream sewers may surcharge and an overflow or backup may occur. Grease, rags, grit, and settled solids can reduce useful volume or interfere with sensors. Long holding time can increase odor and corrosion concerns. Operators inspect the visible condition from a safe location, compare level readings, and follow the cleaning schedule. A wet well is a confined space with serious atmospheric, engulfment, and mechanical hazards. Opening or entering it requires trained staff, testing, isolation, ventilation, rescue planning, and the utility's procedure.
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Introduction to Wastewater Collection Systems
This page comes from the free course. It follows wastewater from the building drain through sewers and lift stations to treatment, one step at a time, with short knowledge checks and a certificate of completion.
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