A method and system for treating water or wastewater to remove both
soluble BOD and suspended solids. The method entails directing first and
second water or wastewater streams to a treatment system including an
activated sludge system and a ballasted flocculation system. The first
water or wastewater stream is directed to the activated sludge system
which includes at least one reactor and a clarifier. The second water or
wastewater stream is directed to a ballasted flocculation system. Mixed
liquor or activated sludge is directed from the activated sludge system
to a mixing chamber that is located upstream from the ballasted
flocculation system. The water or wastewater of the second stream is
mixed with the mixed liquor or activated sludge in the mixing chamber.
The mixed liquor from the mixing chamber is directed to and through the
ballasted flocculation system. In the end, the soluble BOD in the second
water or wastewater stream is reduced and suspended solids in the water
or wastewater are also reduced.