Over 200 miles of sewer pipe link 85% of residences and 100% of commercial properties to Fairfield’s Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF), operating under the authority of the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA). The facility is valued at more than $100 million, and is operated by 18 certified town employees.

Each day the WPCF returns about 8.5 million gallons of water, cleaned in accordance with state and federal standards (>95% of pollutants removed), to the Long Island Sound.

Fifteen percent of residences are on septic systems (see link below for tips on maintenance).

Achievements to date

  • The WPCF operates with 100% renewable energy coming from a solar array installed over old landfill in 2017 and a fuel cell, online since late 2019
  • Wastewater sewer pipes are separate from stormwater pipes
  • In a process unique in the state, the 500 tons of biosolids generated annually at WPCF is combined on site with local wood debris to make valuable compost

Challenges Ahead

  • Optimizing the effective and efficient operation of WPCF
  • Protecting the WPCF from storm damage and flooding
  • Maintaining separation of wastewater and stormwater systems

Benefits of Modern Wastewater Management

  • Lower sewage fees because facility runs on renewable energy
  • Town receives rebates from the state for producing outflow that exceeds state nitrogen standards – which also protects the health of Long Island Sound.
  • Town gets revenue from the sale of compost and keeps 500 tons of biosolids out of landfill yearly
Fairfield Water Pollution Control Facility
Solar array powering the Water Pollution Control Facility

2030 Plan Goals*

  • Approval and implementation of WPCA long-term Facilities Plan
  • Completion of berm to “harden” the WPCF against 100-year flood conditions
  •  20% reduction in WPCF/sewer pipe emergency calls to relieve “fatberg” obstruction (a fatberg is a large mass of fat and waste material that forms in sewers

*Some goals are ambitious, and may need more time to achieve target participation rates; others can be achieved sooner, but work on all goals should begin as soon as possible

How Do We Reach Our Goals?

  • A detailed, 25-year Facilities Plan awaits approval by the state. The plan will bring about important upgrades to aging equipment and further enhance operating efficiency
  • Ongoing program to detect and repair pipe disruptions to reduce stormwater I&I (inflow and infiltration) into wastewater collection system
  • Ensuring that stormwater management is an integral part of infrastructure and construction planning
  • Promote commercial and residential water conservation measures: reducing wastewater reduces unnecessary throughput at WPCF, lowering operating costs.
  • Protection of WPCF and private sewer connections through education of consumers to refrain from putting any form of grease into the drain, and not flushing so-called “flushable” wipes
  • Consider regulations for “graywater” management as feasible; reusing graywater will reduce throughput at WPCF and conserve drinking water
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Town of Fairfield Sewer Department (WPCF)
Septic Tips & Information