What is the recommended handling of backwash water?

• A. Dispose or recycle according to plant policy and local regulations; treat to remove solids before discharge.
• B. Dump directly to sewer without treatment.
• C. Store indefinitely in basins.
• D. Backwash water should be avoided completely.

Answer: (A)

Backwash water comes from cleaning the filter beds and carries the solids that were trapped in the media. Proper handling focuses on reducing solids and following rules set by the plant and local regulators. The best approach is to dispose of or recycle this water per plant policy and local regulations, and to treat it enough to remove solids before discharge. This protects the sewer system and downstream treatment, prevents excessive solids loading, and helps meet permit limits. In contrast, dumping untreated backwash water into the sewer, storing it indefinitely, or trying to avoid backwash altogether would create operational, regulatory, and environmental problems.