What effect can increased precipitation variability due to climate change have on wastewater treatment?

Increased precipitation variability, which includes more intense storms and prolonged dry periods, can significantly affect the operation of wastewater treatment systems. When heavy rainfall occurs, the volume of wastewater entering treatment facilities can surge beyond normal capacity. This influx of flow may overwhelm the treatment processes designed to handle typical conditions, potentially leading to reduced treatment effectiveness.

Additionally, during intense storms, the likelihood of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) increases, which means that untreated or partially treated wastewater may be discharged into surrounding waters. The variability also complicates the treatment as operators must continuously adapt to changing conditions, affecting the efficiency of biological processes and the removal of contaminants.

Thus, the challenges presented by increased precipitation variability result in operational difficulties, making it more complex to maintain effective treatment standards.