5 to 5.2 million gallons per day.

While many residents and businesses flush and forget it, the team at the city’s wastewater treatment plant can never forget. In fact, thoughts of running water keep Warwick Sewer Authority Director Betty Anne Rogers up at night.

Since joining the team almost 30 years ago, Rogers has found that the more things change, the more they stay the same. One change is the weather.

“We are thinking a lot more about the weather and how it affects water flow,” she said, standing in the lobby of the plant’s offices off Jefferson Boulevard. “And it isn’t just the rain, it is drought too.”

“When we are in drought conditions, our water can often account for about 80% of the flow in the Pawtuxet River,” she said. “And if there is too much water to treat because of storm flow, we have to use extra energy to keep up.”

In addition to monitoring flow, her team is also keeping a daily tab on the organic materials flowing into the plant, all in an effort to keep the outflows into the river as pristine as possible.

About 100 people participated in the April 19 open house to learn about what happens when they flush, and use the dishwasher, washing machine or shower. The event was also timed to celebrate the 1972 passage of the Clean Water Act.

“We hope people leave with an appreciation about what we do here,” said Rogers. “We need people to understand what happens when you flush. Especially when you put kitchen grease down the drain or ‘flushable’ wipes.”  Rogers did little to hide her deep disdain for ‘flushable’ wipes.

Another part of the job that keeps her up at night is the city’s aging infrastructure, which largely came online in June 1965.

“I am constantly thinking what’s going to happen next,” Rogers said. “A root system in a pipe, a collapse or a clog. Our job is to provide 24/7 365 uninterrupted service, so for me it isn’t a matter of if, It is a matter of when.”

When the worst does occur, like it did this January in the area of Namquid Drive, off Warwick Avenue, “our team is amazing.”

For the January break, the first sign of trouble was a backup in residents’ basements. The city’s emergency response team deployed with a trailer and multiple lines and “just started flipping manhole covers” to isolate the problem. Soon they found the trouble spot – a collapse – and started running bypass hoses.

This collapse was particularly tricky because it was 26 feet below grade. This meant an extra step of pumping out the water table before they could begin the repair and re-lining. The project was finally completed in March.

Her team is always looking for new ways to avoid residential backups and recently deployed a set of smart devices on select manhole covers throughout the city. The sensors alert the team to water flow and if water is rising.

“The idea here is collecting data and to be watching for trends,” Rogers said. The smart devices can be programmed to ring alarms on mobile phones.

“We are facing the same problems,” Rogers said, “but now we have better technology.”