Thomas P. Smith Water Reclamation Facility

The microbes drive the aerobic decomposition and anaerobic digestion of the raw sewage to eventually form a safe effluent that can be dispersed back into the environment.

The influent, effluent, biosolids and other parts of the process are constantly monitored by the Water Quality Lab for a variety of chemical parameters to ensure the facility meets both state and federal regulations.

The last expansion occurred in the 1990s when an Modified Ludzack-Ettinger activated sludge train was constructed, bringing the permitted capacity up to 27.5 MGD.

The AWT Project also included construction of new facilities that treat the solids by-product generated by the wastewater treatment process, resulting in production of Class AA "Biosolids," the highest quality level attainable in Florida and which then can be recycled as fertilizer.

A sanitary sewer collection system transports sewage from homes and businesses within the City of Tallahassee Urban Service Area.

The Tram Road Reuse Facility (TRRF) is the first in the region to provide reclaimed or recycled wastewater for irrigation of public areas, such as golf courses and roadsides.

The 1.2 million-gallon-per-day plant takes a portion of the treated wastewater bound for the City's Southeast Farm facility and adds additional treatment so the reclaimed water can be used for irrigation purposes in public areas.

The collected material, called biosolids or more commonly "sewage sludge," is high in organic content, and contains moderate amounts of nutrients that are needed by plants.

Properly treated biosolids may be used as a fertilizer supplement or soil amendment, subject to regulatory requirements that have been established to protect public health and the environment.

include pollutant limits, treatment to destroy harmful microorganisms, and management practices for land application sites.

Class AA biosolids from the City of Tallahassee are sold in bulk quantities to golf courses, farmers and to fertilizer bagging companies.

In addition to serving customers in the city of Tallahassee through the sewage collection system, the TPS also provides septage receiving services to those companies doing business in Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson and Wakulla Counties.