Home

Anaerobic Co-digestion: Principles and Guidelines Toward More Efficient Systems

Print publication date May 2025

Print ISBN 978-1-57278-479-6

EISBN 9781572784796

Volume / Issue

First / last page(s)1 - 311

Word count99,692

Subject keywordsFinancial ManagementAccountingAffordabilityRates

This technical publication provides comprehensive guidelines and insights for the planning, design, operation, and maintenance of anaerobic co-digestion systems. The practice of co-digestion of wastewater residuals with high-strength organic wastes and harnessing the resulting biogas has been adopted by a growing number of water resource recovery utilities, particularly over the last decade. This technical publication intends to equip engineering and design professionals, researchers, operations and maintenance staff, educators, and students with a detailed understanding of fundamental concepts and practical applications of anaerobic co-digestion.

Author(s)

Water Environment Federation

SourceAnaerobic Co-digestion Task Force of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeDigital Book

Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals I: Liquid Treatment, 2nd edition

Print publication date Apr 2025

Print ISBN 978-1-57278-481-9

EISBN 9781572784819

Volume / Issue

First / last page(s)1 - 266

Word count79,877

Subject keywordsAnaerobic Co-digestionCo-digestionBiogasBiomethaneBiosolidsBlendingCo-substrateDigester GasFeedstockFOGSewage Sludge

Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals I: Liquid Treatment, 2nd edition covers all aspects of liquid treatment processes and helps operators prepare for the first three levels of certification examinations. In addition to learning the basics of liquid treatment, operators will gain a thorough understanding of critical aspects of biological treatment, nutrient removal, and disinfection. After learning from real-life examples, users can apply the material they learn to situations they encounter in their day-to-day work. Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals I: Liquid Treatment, 2nd Edition includes: -Detailed visuals and infographics -Comprehensive math examples -Practice questions for each module with lots of variety -Accessible language for all levels of operators This self-study manual aligns with updated Need-to-Know Criteria from the Water Professionals Institute (WPI) and are based on WEFs extensive existing resource collection.

Author(s)

Water Environment Federation

SourceTechnical Practice and Publications Advisory Panel

Document typeDigital Book

Subject keywordsliquid treatmentpreliminary treatmentprimary treatmentbiological treatmentworkforcefixed filmnutrient removal, activated sludge, wastewater trainingoperator trainingcertification examdisinfectionutility managementwastewater treatment fundamentals 3wastewaterwastewater treatment fundamentals 1wastewater treatment fundamentals 2wastewater treatmentwastewater operatorwater treatment bookwaste water bookswef wastewaterwater operatorwastewater treatment operator certificationwastewater engineering

Print publication date Sep 2024

Print ISBN 978-1-57278-454-3

EISBN 9781572784543

Volume / Issue1 / 1

First / last page(s)1 - 821

Word count362,400

A Guide to Cybersecurity for Water and Wastewater Utilities

This book is intended to help water and wastewater utility managers and operators navigate the complex world of cybersecurity. It provides accessible guidance on how utilities of all sizes can manage their risks, focus their resources, and implement controls to keep their facilities and their communities safe. This includes creating a culture of good cybersecurity internally and managing relations with third-party contractors.

Author(s)

Steve Mustard

Document typeDigital Book

Standards for Operation of Nutrient Removal Facilities, WEF 37-24

Print ISBN 978-1-57278-471-0

EISBN 9781572784710

Volume / Issue1 / 1

First / last page(s)1 - 186

Word count43,378

Subject keywordsCybersecurityTechnologyOperationsITInformation technologyContractorsRiskSecurityNISTInfrastructureAWIACSFCybersecurity framework

Standards for Operation of Nutrient Removal Facilities, WEF 37-24, covers the fundamental biological and chemical processes that are in use at nutrient removal facilities and the ways that operators may use, monitor, and control these processes to meet their facility’s treatment goals. It is a valuable resource not only for plant managers and operators, but also design engineers and regulators. This latest edition references the most up-to-date technologies and practices for nutrient removal and includes both new and updated case studies.

Author(s)

Water Environment Federation

SourceOperation of Nutrient Removal Facilities Task Force

Document typeDigital Book

Subject keywordsNutrient removalbiological nutrient removalBNRenhanced biological phosphorus removalEBPRchemical phosphorus removaloperationstroubleshootinglaboratory practicesprocess controlnitrificationdenitrificationbiofilm reactors

Print ISBN 978-1-57278-466-6

EISBN 9781572784666

Volume / Issue1 / 1

First / last page(s)1 - 470

Word count181,456

Description: Standards for Automation of WRRF

Standards for Automation of Water Resource Recovery Facilities, 2nd Edition, WEF 21-24

Automation has become an integral component of water treatment, with new technologies and applications constantly being developed and producing increases in efficiency and reliability. Standards for Automation of Water Resource Recovery Facilities, 2nd Edition, WEF 21-24 introduces the reader to the elements of complete automation design and the standards that govern those elements. Ideal for designers, utility managers, and operators.

SourceAutomation of Water Resource Recovery Faciliities Task Force

Document typeDigital Book

Subject keywordsSCADAControl SystemsSensorsCommunicationWirelessMaintenanceDocumentationTrainingautomationinstrumentationwastewater treatmentprocess controldesignoperationsmanagementmaintenanceMOP 21intelligent water technologyconnectivitysecuritycybersecurityhuman-machine interfaces

Print ISBN 978-1-57278-435-2

EISBN 9781572784352

Volume / Issue1 / 1

First / last page(s)1 - 604

Word count227,347

Existing Sewer Evaluation and Rehabilitation, MOP FD-6, 4th edition

Fully revised and updated, this authoritative volume offers the most comprehensive information available on maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, and replacement of existing sewers. This definitive guide covers sewer evaluation and monitoring, sewer rehabilitation methods and materials, and quality assurance. The Fourth Edition features new material on tools and procedures for pipe evaluation, infiltration and inflow problems and detection, rehabilitation materials and methods, and effective repair techniques. It is intended to be a comprehensive and useful source of practical design information for the practicing design professional. This is a must-have resource for all sewer system professionals. Existing Sewer Evaluation and Rehabilitation, MOP FD-6, 4th Edition Covers Current regulations and guidelines Capacity, structural, and maintenance-related problems Site inspection and testing Methods of structural evaluation, including closed-circuit television, sonar, and laser-based scanning Sewer flow monitoring and sewer system hydraulics Infiltration and inflow source detection Selection of sewer rehabilitation methods and materials Evaluation of sewer rehabilitation effectiveness documentation, quality assurance, and return-on-investment

Author(s)

SourceExisting Sewer Evaluation and Rehabilitation Task Force

Document typeDigital Book

Subject keywordscollection systemssewersrehabilitationinfiltrationinflowmaintenancerepairreplacementsewer rehabilitationexisting sewerstructural evaluationhydraulic evaluation

Print publication date Apr 2024

Print ISBN 978-1-57278-463-5

EISBN 9781572784635

Volume / Issue1 / 1

First / last page(s)1 - 350

Word count100,111

Membrane Bioreactors, MOP 36, 2nd Edition

This resource presents the best practices for the use of membrane bioreactors for wastewater treatment. The book begins with an overview of membrane and biological process fundamentals, followed by coverage of membrane bioreactor system integrated process design. The chapters discuss the physical design of features unique to membrane bioreactors and the procurement of membrane equipment. This authoritative manual also covers the operation of properly designed membrane bioreactor facilities.

Author(s)

Document typeDigital Book

Wastewater Engineering: Design of Water Resource Recovery Facilities

Print publication date Mar 2024

Print ISBN 978-1-57278-437-6

EISBN 9781572784376

Volume / Issue1 / 1

First / last page(s)1 - 240

Word count67,253

Subject keywordsMembrane bioreactorswater reclamationwastewater treatmentdesign principlesdesignequipmentoperationmembranesbiological treatmentwater reuseMBR

Wastewater Engineering: Design of Water Resource Recovery Facilities (MOP 8 Series) provides the reader with the up-to-date knowledge and tools required to design water resource recovery facilities. It serves as both a textbook for senior level and graduate students in civil engineering and a reference work. The scope of coverage and the classroom-friendly features, such as learning objectives and example problems, makes it an excellent tool for students transitioning from academia to practice, and it remains an essential resource for practitioners. Written by a team of professors and consultants and put through a rigorous industry review, Wastewater Engineering provides vital WRRF design information to an engineer at every stage of their education and career. Wastewater Engineering has its roots in WEF’s Design of Water Resource Recovery Facilities (MOP 8), a long-time fixture on the design engineer’s shelf. As WEF approached how to update MOP 8, the organization decided to do so in a way that would address two significant needs in the water sector. The first was the need for current, nationally applicable, peer-reviewed design standards. The result was Standards for Design of Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WEF 8). WEF 8 is a tool for seasoned design professionals, providing concise coverage of critical design criteria that has been formatted in quick-reference tables and bulleted lists. The second was the need for a wastewater design textbook and reference, as covered by this book. Within the MOP 8 series framework, this textbook serves as the entry point for new wastewater engineers and a primary reference work for practitioners, providing both theory and significant context behind the design parameters covered more briefly in WEF 8.

Author(s)

Document typeDigital Book

Subject keywordswater resource recoverydesignfundamentalspreliminary treatmentsedimentationsolids separationbiological principlessuspended growth systemsgrowth processesnutrient removalsystemshydraulicshydraulic profileswastewater solidssolidssolids processingsolids transportsolids thickeningdewateringstabilizationchemical conditioningthermal processingdisposaltertiary treatmentwater reusesustainablemodeling

Print publication date Dec 2023

Print ISBN 978-1-57278-440-6

EISBN 9781572784406

Volume / Issue1 / 1

First / last page(s)1 - 646

Word count277,064

Standards for Operation of Water Resource Recovery Facilities, WEF 11

Water resource recovery facility operators and maintenance staff are responsible for the protection of the environment and public health by ensuring excellent process control and equipment function. The processes and equipment used at these facilities are very complex and require continuous training. Standards for Operation of Water Resource Recovery Facilities, WEF 11, ensures that these critical personnel have the information they need to understand each process, make informed process control decisions, and recognize the basic requirements of preventive maintenance and troubleshooting. Coverage includes:
• Liquid Treatment.
• Solids Treatment
• Process Performance Improvements
• Fundamentals of Management
• Permit Compliance and Wastewater Treatment Systems
• Industrial Wastes and Pretreatment
• Safety
• Management Information Systems –Reports and Records
• Process Instrumentation
• Pumping of Wastewater and Sludge
• Chemical Storage, Handling, and Feeding
• Utilities
• Maintenance
• Odor Control
• Integrated Process Management
• Training
• Outsourced Operations Services and Public/Private Partnership

Author(s)

Water Environment Federation

SourceOperation of Water Resource Recovery Facilities Task Force of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeDigital Book

Subject keywordsliquid treatmentsludgebiosolidssolidsprocess managementregulatoryregulationsindustrial waterpretreatmentmanagementmaintenanceodor controloperationschemical storageprocess controlpreventative maintenancepumpingsludgesafetypretreatmentindustrial wastewatermanagement information systemsinstrumentationcontrolchemicalhandlingdistributionutilitiesintegrated process managementsamplingpreliminary

Print publication date Nov 2023

Print ISBN 978-1-57278-438-3

EISBN 9781572784383

Volume / Issue1 / 1

First / last page(s)1 - 1434

Word count511,842

What's new on Access Water

Financing and Charges for Watewater Systems, MOP 27, 5th Edition

Author(s)

Water Environment Federation

CommitteeUtility Management Subcommittee of the Technical Practice Committee

Document typeDigital Book

U.S. EPA Draft Sewage Sludge Risk Assessment for PFOA and PFOS FAQ Fact Sheet

Print publication date May 2025

Print ISBN 978-1-57278-479-6

EISBN 9781572784796

Volume / Issue

First / last page(s)1 - 311

Word count99,692

Subject keywordsFinancial ManagementAccountingAffordabilityRates

The purpose of this Fact Sheet is to explain the U.S.EPA's sewage sludge risk assessment process and historic risk assessment outcomes. We anticipate the U.S. EPA to announce the results of the very complex risk assessment process regarding pollutants in biosolids, specifically PFOA and PFOS, with minimal explanation or relative risk information for the public. The goal is that this document can be used as a resource to address questions and provide awareness of what is involved in the U.S. EPA sewage sludge risk assessment.

Contributing authorsWEF Residuals and Biosolids Community, Biosolids Products Use and Communication Focus Group Members

Author(s)Nickolas Hines

SourceWater Science and Engineering Center

Document typeFact Sheet

Collection Systems and Stormwater 2025 - Full Conference Proceedings

Print publication date Jun 2025

Volume / Issue

First / last page(s)1 - 4

Word count15

Subject keywordsBiosolidsRisk AssessmentPFOAPFOSPFASCommunication

Abstract

Author(s)

Water Environment Federation

Author(s)Water Environment Federation

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper,Full Conference Proceedings

What Every Operator Needs to Know About Confined Space Entry Safety

Print publication date Jul 2025

Volume / Issue

Word count10

Operator essentials article from November 2024.

Author(s)

Patrick Ross

SourceWE&T Magazine

Document typeMagazine article

Distributed Water Infrastructure Framework and Possibilities

Print publication date Nov 2024

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWE&T Magazine--Operator Essentials

First / last page(s)52 - 55

Word count1,558

Subject keywordsOperator Essentialsoperationsoperator

Around the world people are facing mounting water challenges with acute stresses caused by population growth, changing climate, water scarcity, and resource constraints. Considering all options for protecting public health and the environment while ensuring safe, affordable, dependable, and resilient water infrastructure is critical.The purpose of this report is to briefly discuss the issues with current water resource management systems, and to present a detailed analysis of Distributed Water Infrastructure (DWI) as an important, viable, and effective solution to current and future challenges with water resource management.

Author(s)Lynn Broaddus; Tristian Bounds; Edward Clerico; Francis De Los Reyes; Paula Kehoe; Kim Nace; A R. Rubin; Scott Struck

CommitteeDistributed Water Infrastructure Task Force

Document typeTechnical Report

Print publication date Sep 2024

Volume / Issue

First / last page(s)1 - 43

Word count7

What's trending on Access Water

U.S. EPA Draft Sewage Sludge Risk Assessment for PFOA and PFOS FAQ Fact Sheet

Contributing authorsWEF Residuals and Biosolids Community, Biosolids Products Use and Communication Focus Group Members

Author(s)Nickolas Hines

SourceWater Science and Engineering Center

Document typeFact Sheet

Biosolids Communication Toolkit

Print publication date Jun 2025

Volume / Issue

First / last page(s)1 - 4

Word count15

Subject keywordsBiosolidsRisk AssessmentPFOAPFOSPFASCommunication

WEF’s new, comprehensive toolkit provides an extensive framework for communicating about biosolids in ways that are factual, science-based, and easily understandable by those who might be hearing about biosolids for the first time. The toolkit includes guidance on some of the more challenging communication tasks you may encounter—responding to, or proactively pursuing media coverage, handling concerns raised about the safety of biosolids, creating presentations for use at events or meetings with the public, and developing content to post online or on social media. The toolkit features messages that serve as an overall umbrella that can be adapted for FAQs, talking points, community meetings, fact sheets, brochures, social media, and websites.

Plus, listen to WEF’s webcast on how to use the toolkit!

Author(s)

Document typeToolkit

Greenhouse Gas Sources and Sinks for Water Resource Recovery Facilities

Print publication date Feb, 2021

Volume / Issue

Word count4

Subject keywordsBiosolids Resource RecoveryBiosolids

Abstract

Water Environment Federation (WEF) members know the significance of the use of biosolids to wastewater treatment and to the communities we serve. The benefits are obvious but not always without controversy. Our member volunteers have done a significant amount of work to elevate the conversation about what biosolids bring in terms of innovation, resource recovery, and stewardship, and we think you’ll agree that this work is even more important in today’s environment.

This biosolids communications toolkit builds on and expands the digital resource developed by WEF and can be used by WEF members to help raise awareness and support for the use of biosolids. This is a resource for communicating about biosolids in ways that are factual, science-based, and easily understandable by those who might be hearing about biosolids for the first time—your neighbor, a city council member, or your mom.

The toolkit includes guidance on some of the more challenging communication tasks you may encounter—responding to, or proactively pursuing media coverage, handling concerns raised about the safety of biosolids, creating presentations for use at events or meetings with the public, and developing content to post online or on social media. The toolkit features messages that serve as an overall umbrella that can be adapted for FAQs, talking points, community meetings, fact sheets, brochures, social media, and websites.

Think of this toolkit as a do-it-yourself handbook designed for the range of utility professionals who may need it. Some may want to follow all the step-by-step guidance the toolkit offers while others may only need specific sections. You are encouraged to use this as a reference any way you need, to address any number of issues related to biosolids, to create messages, to see samples for best practices, and more.

WEF members and water professionals around the world are incredibly proud of the services they provide and know biosolids are part of their
innovative industry’s future. This toolkit, and the accompanying training, will help make you proficient at communicating all that biosolids can do, as you share how valuable this resource is.

This operator fact sheet provides an overview of process and nonprocess GHG emissions from wastewater utilities, specifically from WRRFs and wastewater collection systems. This document also provides information regarding GHG “sinks” that can be used to offset emissions. By understanding how system operations affect climate change, wastewater operators can make efforts to minimize negative effects and maximize offsets.

Author(s)

Bill BrowerMark LangJohn Willis

Document typeFact Sheet

High Performance Anaerobic Digestion

Print publication date Feb 2021

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWater Environment Federation

First / last page(s)1 - 7

Word count11

Subject keywordsGreenhouse GasClimateMethaneNitrous OxideSustainabilityWastewater TreatmentBiosolids

At the heart of biosolids processing improvements is high performance anaerobic digestion (HPAD). Digestion performance improvements result in more treatment capacity per unit volume to convert wastewater residuals to nutrient-rich, low-odor biosolids, more efficient conversion of organics to methane-rich biogas, and to improve overall biosolids quality. Although there are many conventional high rate mesophilic digestion systems that perform at a high level, there are system modifications to increase performance, which include raising to a thermophilic temperature, decoupling the hydraulic retention time (HRT) and solids retention time (SRT), increasing the solids concentration and pre-treatment processes enhancing hydrolysis, and cyclic metabolic environments.

Author(s)

Contributing authorsWilliam BarberRusty SchroedelToshio ShimadaStephanie SpaldingDru WhitlockMatt Williams

SourceFact Sheet of the Water Science and Engineering Center

Project IDWSEC-2019-FS-014

CommitteeRBC

Sub CommitteeBioenergy Technology Subcommittee

Document typeFact Sheet

Developing a New Framework for Household Affordability and Financial Capability Assessment in the Water Sector

Print publication date Oct 2019

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWater Science and Engineering Center

First / last page(s)1 - 8

Word count3,634

Subject keywordsBiosolids

Description: Developing a New Framework for Household Affordability and Financial Capability...

Developing a New Framework for Household Affordability and Financial Capability Assessment in the Water Sector

In anticipation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updating its financial capability assessment (FCA) guidelines, the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), and the Water Environment Federation (WEF) engaged the authors of this report to provide recommendations to EPA on a new methodology and guideline for assessing household affordability and community financial capability. The purpose of this report is to detail the findings and recommendations that resulted from this association sponsored effort. This report does not address the specific mechanisms for, or timing of, integrating the proposed methodologies or derivative approaches into practice. How such changes should be made is an important future discussion topic.

Author(s)

R. Raucher#J. Clements#E. Rothstein#J. Mastracchio#Z. Green

Document typeTechnical Report

PublisherAmerican Water Works AssociationNational Association of Clean Water AgenciesWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Apr 2019

Volume / Issue

First / last page(s)1 - 129

Word count16

Subject keywordsAffordabilityfinanceWastewaterdrinking waterstormwaterfinancinghousehold affordabilityeconomic hardshipfinancial capability assessmentrate setting

2022 National Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Needs Assessment Survey Results

Description: 2022 National Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Needs Assessment Survey...

2022 National Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Needs Assessment Survey Results

Download this report by logging in or creating an account.

The Water Environment Federation’s (WEF) Stormwater Institute (SWI) conducted the first national survey of municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permittees in 2018 with a follow-up survey in 2020. Like the previous two surveys, the 2022 survey results are statistically significant1 and responses were received from 47 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The fundamental objectives of these surveys are:

• to identify the information and resource needs of MS4 permittees,

• to better understand MS4 program challenges, and

• to approximate current funding levels and estimated funding needs in the MS4 sector.

In addition, the 2022 survey covers topics such as well-developed, least-developed, and most innovative aspects of stormwater programs. Resilience planning was also included in the survey to capture the incidence of this planning currently and in the future of stormwater programs and the future challenges associated with it.

Approximately 93% of responses in the 2022 survey came from Phase I and Phase II MS4s. Of these responses, approximately 21% were from Phase I communities and 72% from Phase II communities. The remainder of responses came from nontraditional MS4 Phase II permit holders and state departments of transportation (DOTs). Respondents were generally representative of the geographic distribution of MS4s across the United States for both surveys.

The survey was comprised of questions to gather basic information on stormwater programs (size, type of permittee), yes/no-based questions on various aspects of stormwater issues and topics, and several multiple choice questions focusing on stormwater program challenges and needs. Weighted average scores using a 1 through 5 rating system were used in the report to efficiently capture respondent ratings in a single metric.

Responses of 4 or higher reflect strong interest or support for topics. The percentage of responses at this 1Sample of municipal respondents is statistically significant at the 95% confidence interval, with a 5% margin of error.

Author(s)

Water Environment Federation

Document typeTechnical Report