Wastewater Resources for Michigan Wineries
This resource document is intended to help wineries access information about winery wastewater,
wastewater treatment systems, and water management plans and best management practices (BMPs)
for winery water use. The following documents cover a wide range of winery water use issues, and
should provide winery owners, and staff with sufficient information to make internal decisions about
how to conserve water, treat winery effluent, and establish water management plans.
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DEQ Guidance Document on treatment Systems
– General information regarding the design of suitable and appropriate land treatment
systems. Discussion of pre-treatment technologies suitable for winery wastewater prior
to land application is not included.
LEI Winery Wastewater Final Report
– Analysis of winery wastewater treatment systems from five Michigan wineries. Includes
evaluation of existing permits for wineries, and the effectiveness of different treatment
systems.
LEI Wastewater Permit Guidance Document
– A flow chart to help wineries understand what permit best fits their operations.
Wine Institute's Comprehensive Guide to Sustainable Management of Winery Water and
Associated Energy
– Detail compilation of winery water use, explanation of treatment systems starting on
page 33, includes assessment worksheets, and step-by-step information on establishing
a water management plan.
The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) Sustainable Water Management
Handbook for Small Wineries
– A condensed version of the Wine Institute’s comprehensive guide, specifically designed
for smaller producers. Includes worksheets, and instructions to establish a water
management plan.
Washington Guide to Sustainable Winery Practices: Water Management Checklist
– A compilation of BMP’s for winery water use, conservation, and wastewater treatment.
Key Wastewater Management Issues for Wineries in Washington
– An outline of minimum wastewater regulatory requirements in Washington and
additional suggested actions for sustainable wastewater management.
Low Input Vititculture and Enology (LIVE): Water Management Checklist for Wineries
– Chapter five covers winery water management, checklist includes BMP for compliance
with Salmon Safe Farming certification.