What is an important challenge faced by aging wastewater systems today?

In aging wastewater systems, an important challenge is their inability to handle modern-day contaminant types. Over the years, the types and concentrations of contaminants present in wastewater have evolved considerably. This includes not only traditional pollutants from industrial and domestic sources but also newer synthetic compounds such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and microplastics.

Many older systems were designed based on historical data and standards that do not account for these new contaminants, which can be more resistant to conventional treatment methods. This has led to concerns regarding the effectiveness of aging facilities in adequately treating diverse and complex waste streams. As a result, this inability to adapt to new contaminant challenges poses risks to public health and the environment, highlighting the pressing need for improvements in infrastructure and technology within wastewater management systems.