Operator terms · Wastewater
What is the headworks of a wastewater plant?
The headworks is the first part of a wastewater plant, where the incoming flow is screened and grit is removed before treatment. Bar screens catch debris and grit chambers drop out sand, protecting the pumps and tanks downstream. It is the plant's front door and its first line of defense.
Last reviewed 2026-08-03
What happens there
The raw wastewater first passes a bar screen that catches rags and debris, then a grit chamber that settles out heavy sand, before it moves on to treatment.
Why it matters
Debris and grit wear out pumps and fill up tanks. Removing them at the headworks protects the whole plant downstream.
Common questions
- What is at the headworks?
- Screening and grit removal, the first steps in the plant.
- Why is it first?
- To protect pumps and tanks from debris and grit.
- What comes after?
- Primary treatment, then the biological steps.