Have you ever wondered what exactly happens after you flush, or what all those pipes and plants are truly called? At the Rumford-Mexico Sewerage District, we believe that understanding the basics of wastewater management helps everyone appreciate the vital work we do. Our mission, established back in 1971, is to ensure clean water and healthy communities for Rumford, Mexico, and Dixfield. A big part of that is clarity.

So, let’s demystify some of the key terms you might hear when we talk about our operations:

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What is “Sewage” Anyway?

When we talk about sewage, we’re referring to the combination of water-carried wastes that come from our homes, businesses, institutions, and industrial establishments. Sometimes, it can also include groundwater that finds its way into the system. Essentially, it’s everything that goes down your drains!

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The “Sewerage System” and Its Parts

Our entire infrastructure is called the sewerage system (or sometimes “sewage works”). This covers all the facilities we use for collecting, pumping, treating, and safely disposing of sewage. Think of it as the complete journey your wastewater takes.

Within this system, you’ll find:

• Sewer: This is the most basic component – a pipe or conduit specifically designed to carry sewage. These are the lines that run from your property and connect to our larger system.
• Interceptor Sewers: These are larger pipes that gather wastewater from local collection systems, directing it towards our treatment facilities.
• Pumping Stations: Gravity doesn’t always work in our favor! Pumping stations are facilities that help move wastewater through the system, especially when it needs to travel uphill or over long distances.
• Treatment Plants: These are our advanced facilities where wastewater undergoes a thorough purification process. Here, pollutants are removed before the clean water is safely returned to the environment.

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Storm vs. Sewer: A Crucial Difference

This is one of the most important distinctions!

• Storm Drain (or Storm Sewer): This is a separate system entirely! A storm drain is designed to carry storm water – which is surface runoff from rain, snowmelt, and other precipitation. Crucially, storm drains are NOT for sewage or industrial wastes. They primarily direct rainwater away from streets and properties.
• Storm Water: As mentioned, this is simply any water that occurs as runoff from precipitation.
• Surface Water: This is a broader term for any body of water whose top surface is exposed to the atmosphere, including flowing bodies like our beloved Androscoggin River, as well as ponds or lakes.
• Watercourse: This refers to any channel, natural or man-made, where water flows, whether it’s continuously or just intermittently.

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Our Role: The “District”

Finally, when we say “District” we are talking about the Rumford-Mexico Sewerage District itself – the organization chartered to manage all these vital systems for the benefit of our communities.

Understanding these terms helps shed light on the complex yet essential work we do every day to protect public health and preserve our local environment. If you have more questions about our operations or these terms, don’t hesitate to reach out!