Managing the sewer system is one of the toughest and riskiest jobs in Romania. Exposure to toxic gases, biological agents, and extreme conditions turns the daily work of sewer workers into an act of survival. In 2024, the Glina Wastewater Treatment Plant processed over 4,195 tons of waste, confirming the scale of a vital yet invisible occupation for society.

Sewer management — a profession with major risks

Managing the sewer system is rightly considered one of the hardest professions. Beneath the asphalt of major cities, the workers who maintain and repair sewer networks face daily dangers that threaten both their health and their lives.

Invisible risks for outsiders

Workers in the sewer system come into contact with a wide range of hazards:

• Exposure to toxic and flammable gases – methane, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, or carbon monoxide can cause severe poisoning, loss of consciousness, or even death by asphyxiation.
• Contact with biological agents – bacteria, viruses, and parasites found in wastewater can lead to respiratory or skin infections, as well as diseases such as hepatitis A.
• Intense physical effort – lifting heavy cast-iron manhole covers, handling mechanical equipment, and working in confined spaces and uncomfortable positions push the body to its limits.
• Psychological strain – the work often takes place in extreme conditions of stress, unbearable odors, and isolation.

“Many people don’t understand what it means to go down into a sewer every day. It’s not just dirt — it’s a constant risk to your health and life,” says an employee of a sanitation service.

The scale of the problem: tons of waste right beneath our feet

Behind these risks lie striking figures. In 2024 alone, the amount of waste processed at the Glina Wastewater Treatment Plant — the largest in Romania and the second largest in Europe — exceeded 4,195 tons.

This waste, from household debris improperly thrown into the system to industrial materials, clogs pipes, disrupts operations, and increases risks for workers.

A shadow profession — but a vital one

Although often ignored or stigmatized, sewer work is crucial to public health. A functioning sewer system prevents urban flooding, reduces the risk of epidemics, and ensures a basic standard of living for millions of people.

Experts stress that investments in modern equipment and safety measures are essential, and that respect for this profession should match the importance of the work itself.

“If the sewer system weren’t maintained, cities would quickly turn into breeding grounds for infection. It’s a vital service, even if unseen,” say representatives of water and sewerage operators.