- Home
- Government
- Departments
- Utility Billing
- Wastewater Treatment and Collection
Wastewater Treatment and Collection
Wastewater Treatment Plant
The City of Bonham's wastewater treatment plant is a 2.5 -MGD sequencing batch reactor (SBR) activated sludge plant. The plant discharges under a 10/15/2 permit and serves the needs of the municipality with a current population of 10,000 inhabitants. The Facility was last renovated in 2020 to its current process configuration. Sludge handling is done with two former clarifiers that were converted to aerobic digesters with floating jet aerators. Waste-activated sludge (WAS) is discharged to the aerobic digesters and blended with anaerobic sludge before dewatering. Five original sand beds are supplemented with four plastic media porous plate drying beds and one dewatering box. A polyblend unit is provided for polymer addition ahead of drying beds and a dewatering box. Dewatered sludge disposal is by landfilling.
-
Michael Seacat
Chief OperatorPhone: 903-505-0146
Reminder from the City of Bonham:
The City of Bonham wants to remind residents that during the heightened usage of disinfectant and hygiene wipes, the City's sewer lines and treatment plant can only handle so much.
As the Chief Operator of the City of Bonham Wastewater Treatment plant along with the City's Public Utilities Department, we want to address the disposal of many of the types of wipes before it becomes an issue.
The following items are often found to be the cause of stoppages in the City sewer lines and treatment plant and should never be disposed of by flushing into the sanitary Sewer Collection systems:
- Disinfectant, antibacterial, and personal hygiene wipes
- Grease
- Food Scraps
- Paper towels or napkins
- Feminine hygiene products
- Disposable diapers
- Cigarette butts ( From ashtrays emptied into toilets and flushed)
- Shop rags
- Plastic bags
- Mop heads
- Disposable mopping cloths
- Facial tissues (Kleenex, etc.)
- Condiments packets
- Condoms
Your assistance and cooperation are greatly appreciated to ensure that our City of Bonham Sanitary Sewer Collection System and Wastewater Treatment plant operates effectively and efficiently.
Sanitary Sewer Backups
Common Causes of Sewer Backups
Grease: Cooking oil should be poured into a heat-resistant container and disposed of properly after in cools off, not in the drain. Washing grease down the drain with hot water is unsatisfactory. As the grease cools off, it will solidify either in the drain, the property owner's line or in the city main line causing the line to constrict and eventually clog.
Roots: Tree roots can cause major problems if they grow into or through your sewer lines. Roots can travel far from trees and can pose a threat even if tour don't have trees on your property.
Structure: Depending on the age of your home, your sewer pipe is likely made of PVC, cast iron, clay or Orangeburg. While these materials are durable, they will not last forever. It is common for sewer pipes to deteriorate or even collapse as they age.
Sewer backups in your home can be prevented by installing a backwater prevention valve. A properly installed and maintained backwater valve allows sewage to go out, but not to come back in. Qualified and licensed plumbers can install backwater valves.
Sanitary Sewer Overflows
When it rains, ground water rises, or when the sanitary sewer systems become overloaded, sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) may occur, sending untreated sewage into water ways. Normally sewage discharges from a manhole cover in the street, backyards, or other areas where manholes are located. They can appear as slow water leak that may take time to be noticed, or a heavy discharge.
Sewer Problems
If you are experiencing sewer problems, such as a slow drain, sewer backing up into your fixtures, sewer running out of a clean-out in your yard during normal business hours, please contact us 903-583-7555. For after hours, holidays and weekends, please contact the Bonham Police Department at 903-583-2141 .