At a large utility system, which wastewater discharge is usually intermittent?

The demineralization system is typically associated with processes that treat water by removing minerals and ion contaminants, often used in industrial applications such as power plants or certain manufacturing processes. The nature of these processes means that the discharge can vary based on operational needs, leading to intermittent flows. This occurs because the system might not run continuously; it often operates when necessary based on demand, resulting in periods of discharge that are not constant.

In contrast, a sanitary sewer typically has a continuous flow because it receives wastewater from households and businesses at a steady rate. The stormwater system, while it may experience fluctuations due to weather events, is designed to handle runoff from rainfall or snowmelt, making its flow more consistent during storm events. A primary treatment plant processes wastewater that usually comes in a more continuous flow as part of the municipal wastewater treatment process. Thus, the nature of a demineralization system’s operation allows for intermittent discharge, distinguishing it from the more regular flows seen in the other systems mentioned.