What does the term “headworks” refer to in sewage treatment?

The term "headworks" refers to the section of a sewage treatment facility where the initial processes take place to prepare the sewage for subsequent treatment stages. This includes screening to remove large solids and debris, which helps protect downstream equipment and processes from damage or clogging. The pre-treatment steps involved in headworks are essential for ensuring that the sewage is adequately conditioned before it moves on to primary or secondary treatment phases.

By effectively removing oversized materials, grit, and other unwanted particles, headworks play a crucial role in enhancing the overall efficiency of the sewage treatment plant, reducing wear and tear on equipment, and preventing operational issues later in the treatment process.