BECOME A DISTRIBUTOR | CONTACT | FAQs

Winery Wastewater

Question: I've heard that there are new rules being drafted for wineries to deal with their effluent. Why is winery wastewater a problem? Answer: As the wine industry grows in size across the country, wastewater discharge is becoming an area of increasing concern. On average, wineries produce 6 gallons of wastewater for every gallon of wine. Winery wastewater comes primarily from grape-crush, barrel-cleaning and bottling operations. It is usually free of pesticides and chemicals, but it can contain very high levels of sugar, which consume the dissolved oxygen in streams, rivers, lakes, and other surface water as it breaks down. As the oxygen is depleted in water sources, aquatic and amphibious life suffocates. Using wastewater to irrigate fields is also a problem, since the breakdown of the sugars depletes the oxygen in the soil, and kills beneficial microbes. Once the available oxygen is gone, the sugars begin to degrade anaerobically and form a slime layer that is impermeable to water. This results in standing water in the vineyards, since moisture is unable to seep into the ground (or reach the roots of the vines). Ideally, wineries should be able to reclaim wastewater, treat it, and re-use it for irrigation or other purposes. One common method for treating wastewater is an aerated pond. Aerated ponds provide plenty of dissolved oxygen, and allow microbes to naturally break down the sugars in the water, resulting in clean water within 60-90 days. Unfortunately, this method is land and energy intensive, loud, and can produce objectionable odors. New methods for processing and cleaning wastewater include bioreactors, hydrate systems, and trickle towers coupled with artificial wetlands. These new approaches use less acreage, reduce odors, and can even provide precious habitats for wildlife—all while increasing the industry's sustainability. Regardless of the methods used to treat wastewater, reliable containment is essential. BTL-30 and BTL-40 liners are excellent for containing wastewater, whether water is held in-ground as a pond or in an above-ground container with a liner, awaiting treatment. Our liners are strong, lightweight, and can be custom made in a size or configuration. For more information about BTL’s products, please contact us at 1-800-280-0712.


Liners by BTL

AquaArmor Pond Liner

The most versatile liner on the market today, AquaArmor maximizes protection from harmful UV rays, tear resistance and punctures that cause leaks. Simply the best liner on the market.
Go Now

Newest Articles:

Go Now

Subscribe to Updates

Article Topics

Agriculture Covers Tarps Aquaponics Energy Liners Hydroponics Greenhouse Light Deprivation Water Gardens Farm Ponds Greenhouses Greenhouse Gardening Greenhouse Cover Fish Pond Pond Fish Golf Course Pond Golf Course Water Feature Natural Pond Landfill Cover Irrigation Irrigation Pond Irrigation Canal Hydraulic Fracturing Oil Containment Secondary Containment Fracking Oil Liner Fuel Liner Frac Pit Fire Protection Pond Fire Suppression Pond Fire Pond Geomembrane Canal Liner Brine Pond Koi Pond Algae Pond Nursery Pond Retention Pond Man-Made Lake Lakes Geothermal Greenhouse Commercial Greenhouse Preformed Pond Liner Groundwater Storage Lagoon Mining Pond Mining Lagoon Evaporation Pond Salt Pond Pond Liner Materials Catch Basin Stormwater Management Barren Pond Processing Pond Natural Swimming Pond Drainage Systems Ditch Lining Aquaculture Sewage Lagoon Mining Geomembranes Floating Cover Wastewater Containment Geosynthetics Cistern Lining Erosion Control Fertilizer Containment Winery Water Silage Cover Winery Irrigation Pond Baseball Field Cover Tailings Pond Produced Water Liner Produced Water Winery Construction Pond Winter Ponds Fish Hatchery Algae Raceways Coal Ash Containment Fishing Lakes Oilfield Pits Aquatic Habitats Lake Restoration Landfill Cell Liners and Cap Covers Leachate Pond Rain Cover Heap Leach Pads Residential Ponds Gas Collection California Drought California Pond Liner Overburden Containment Pond Liner Fish Stocking Pond Mine Reclamation Wastewater Cover Drought Irrigation Reservoir Sludge Management Cable Parks Baffle Systems Alternative Daily Covers Reservoir Pond Aeroponics Food Shortages Homesteading Prepping Toxic Waste Potable Water Storage Green Roof Clearwells Stormwater Harvesting Snow Making Ponds Pond Plants Hunting Ponds Oregon Pond Liner Lavender Site Runoff Containment EPDM Liners Duck Hunting Pond Deer Hunting Pond Decorative Ponds Methane Capture Large Pond Sports Field Liner California Fire Pond Helicopter Dip Pond Oregon Fire Pond Pond Skimming Geotextile Fabric Silt Fences Backyard Greenhouses DIY Greenhouse RPE Liners Desalination Controlled Environment Agriculture Living Roofs Dairy Lagoons Tank Farm Wastewater Treatment Self-Sufficiency Wicking Bed Liners Hay Covers Grow Bed Liner Light Deprivation Greenhouses Dam Lining Frac Pad Liners