Moxie's Learning Center
What Happens to Our Wastewater?

Ever wonder what happens to the water that goes down the drain in Alexandria? Well, after making it's way through the City's sewer system and into our interceptor pipes, it arrives at AlexRenew. Once flows reach our facility, they go through a series of screens to remove grit and large solids (like food and trash) that can damage our equipment. Flows are then transported into rectangular settling tanks for primary treatment and removal of suspended solids and fats, oils and grease. Afterwards, the flow goes to our Biological Reactor Basins (BRBs) for nutrient removal. While in the BRBs, flows are added to microorganisms, called activated sludge, for nitrogen removal. The water settles again and then we remove the phosphorous and filter out any remaining solids. Finally, flows are disinfected using ultraviolet (UV) light and returned safely to our waterways.
Want to learn more about AlexRenew's Waterfront Tunnel?
Check out Cloe's Corner!
In a high-tech factory thousands of miles away from Alexandria, the cutest member of the Waterfront Tunnel team was built. Her name is Cloe the Tunnel Boring Machine. She’s a special piece of equipment that can dig large tunnels underground, and she’s here to help AlexRenew make Alexandria’s rivers and streams healthier! Click here to visit Chloe's Corner.

Community Presentations
AlexRenew staff members are available for community presentations to student groups, businesses, community groups, civic associations and homeowners associations. Topics range from a basic overview of AlexRenew and wastewater treatment to infrastructure projects and environmental stewardship. To plan a presentation for your group, contact us at communications@alexrenew.com.