Treatment, Disposal and Discharge of Wastewater

Treatment, disposal and discharge of wastewater is an essential part of providing clean water to a population. Wastewater is a by-product of many industrial, agricultural and domestic activities and must be treated before it can be released into the environment. Treatment involves using physical, chemical and biological processes to remove pollutants, such as suspended solids, oil, metals, nutrients and bacteria. This can help prevent contamination of water resources, reduce pollution and preserve the health, environment and ecology that depend on clean water. Disposal and discharge are the two main methods of getting rid of the treated water. Disposal means sending it to a distant location, such as an ocean, and discharge means releasing it back into the environment, such as a river. Each method has different environmental impacts and regulatory requirements that should be followed to ensure it is done safely and responsibly.