What is a common indicator of overloading in a wastewater treatment plant?

High turbidity is indeed a common indicator of overloading in a wastewater treatment plant. When the treatment plant is overloaded, the system may struggle to process the incoming sewage effectively, leading to an accumulation of suspended solids. This accumulation results in higher turbidity levels in the treated effluent, as the water contains more particles that scatter light, making it less clear.

In normal operational conditions, a well-functioning treatment plant maintains specific turbidity standards, but when it is overloaded, the biological processes can become imbalanced, and settling may not occur as effectively. This can lead to increased levels of turbidity in the final effluent, which is often monitored to assess treatment plant performance and identify potential operational issues.

Monitoring turbidity levels is crucial for maintaining regulatory compliance and ensuring that the treated water meets discharge standards. Therefore, recognizing an increase in turbidity as a sign of overloading can help operators take timely corrective actions to restore effective treatment processes.