As wastewater management systems are becoming more widespread in India, and with many large-scale projects in the pipeline in cities , it is important that private operators and public authorities responsible for operating and maintaining these systems are equipped with the right tools and knowledge. This document contributes to this purpose by providing technical guidance to Operations and Maintenance (O&M) engineers, operators and inspectors on how to operate, inspect and maintain such systems. Appropriate O&M helps protect the initial capital investment, prolongs the life of the systems and ensures smooth operations avoiding negative impacts on humans and the environment. The guideline is divided into three chapters covering the whole wastewater management chain: the sewerage system, the treatment of wastewater and the control of effluent discharge. This guideline is limited in scope and not all technologies and processes are covered. For example, only waste stabilization ponds are described as treatment systems. The first chapter focuses on the sewerage system which is required for collecting and conveying wastewater to treatment facilities prior to discharge. The sewerage system consists of pipes, conduits, pumping stations, force mains, and all other facilities used to channel wastewater from residential, industrial, and commercial sources to the treatment facilities. Various types of maintenance of a sewerage system – preventive, routine and emergency – are covered, and guidance is provided on how to inspect and examine the sewer, and what techniques and technologies are available. Guidance is then provided on sewer cleaning, including cleaning equipment and procedures, in order to minimize the number of blockages issues. Even with appropriate maintenance and cleaning, a sewerage system needs rehabilitation from time to time. The guideline covers renewal and repair methods for different components of the sewer system such as burst pipes. Finally, and importantly, safety practices when conducting these operations are detailed. The second chapter covers the waste water treatment part of the system. While many different types of treatment technologies exist, only Waste Stabilization Ponds (WSP) are covered, which are usually the most appropriate method of municipal wastewater treatment in developing countries, where the climate is most favorable for their operation. WSP are low-cost, low-maintenance, highly efficient, entirely natural and highly sustainable. Generally, WSP has three stages of treatment: a primary anaerobic treatment, secondary facultative treatment, and tertiary aerobic treatment in maturation ponds.

This chapter describes procedures for commissioning and starting up WSP and routine maintenance. It outlines key control indicators to ensure smooth operations of the WSP such as how to care for grasses and plant species used, and controls for potential issues such as erosion, rodents, odors and solid accumulation. Finally, the biggest challenge in the management of pond systems is to identify when a pond requires desludging, and to carry it out safely without giving rise to environmental and human health problems. This guideline provides details on how to perform these tasks. The final chapter is concerned with monitoring of the water quality. Water quality analysis is required to ensure compliance with existing standards prior to release into the environment, to monitor the efficiency of the treatment system, and to check whether upgrades or modifications to an existing treatment system are required. The chapter details the two main sampling methods, where to locate sampling points, precautions for sampling, sample volume, quantity and storage of samples, testing parameters and frequency. This chapter concludes by outlining typical laboratory tests generally required, data analysis and laboratory waste disposal.