What do you understand about wastewater, and why does it need to be treated?

We classify wastewater treatment as a water use because it is so closely linked to other water uses. Before being released into the environment, much of the water absorbed by houses, industries, and companies should be treated.
　　
If you’re unsure what “wastewater treatment” means, think of it as “sewage treatment.” Nature can deal with small amounts of water waste and pollution. Still, it would be overwhelmed if we didn’t treat the billions of gallons of wastewater and sewage created each and every day before releasing it back into the ecosystem. Pollutants in wastewater are reduced to a level that nature can handle in treatment plants.
　　
Storm runoff is included in the terms “wastewater.” Some humans believe that rain falling on the street during the storm is clean, this is not the case. Chemicals that wash off of roadways, parking lots, areas, and rooftops can pollute our rivers and lakes.

　　
Why is Wastewater Treated?
　　
It’s about taking care of our surroundings as well as our health. There are numerous reasons why keeping our water clean should be a top priority:
　　
Fisheries: Plants and animals that live in water require clean water to survive. It is critical for the fishing industry, recreational anglers, and future generations.
　　
Habitats of wildlife: Our rivers and oceans are teeming with life reliant on shorelines, beaches, and marshes. Hundreds of species of fishes and other aquatic life rely on them for survival. Migratory waterbirds use the habitats for resting and feeding.
　　
Recreation and life quality: Water is a fantastic playground for every one of us. Many individuals prefer to live where they do because of the beauty and recreational appeal of our waters. Swimming, fishing, boating, and picnics are popular water activities for visitors.
　　
Health concerns: Water might contain disease if it is not adequately cleaned. Because humans live, work, and play near water, hazardous bacteria must be eradicated for water to be safe.
　　
Pollutants in wastewater have negative consequences.
　　
If wastewater is not adequately treated, it can severely influence the environment and human health. Fishs and wildlifes populations may be harmed. Oxygen levels might be depleted, beach closures and other limits on recreational water usage, restrictions on fish and shellfish harvesting, and drinking water contamination may occur.
　　
Here are some examples of contaminant found in wastewater, as well as the potentially negative impact this compounds can have on ecosystems and human health, as provided by Environments Canada:
　　
The dissolved oxygens in a lake can be depleted by decaying organic matter and trash, making fish and another aquatic biota unable to thrive.
　　
Excess nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogens can cause eutrophication, or over-fertilization of receiving waters, which can be toxic to aquatic organisms, promote excessive plant growth, reduce available oxygen, harm spawning grounds, alter habitat, and result in the extinction of certain species.
　　
Chlorine compounds and inorganic chloramines can poison aquatic invertebrates, algae, and fish.
　　
Bacterias, virus, and disease-causing organisms can contaminate beaches and shellfish populations, limiting humans recreation, drinking water intakes, and shellfish consumptions.
　　
Metals including mercury, leads, cadmium, chromiums, and arsenic can be hazardous to animals in both acute and chronic forms.
　　
Treatment of sewage
　　
The primary goal of wastewater treatments is to remove as many suspended solids as possible before returning the leftover water, known as effluent, to the environment. Solid matters decomposes, which depletes oxygen, which aquatic plants and animals require.
　　
Approximately 60% of suspended particles are removed from wastewater during “primary treatment.” Aerating (stirring up) the wastewater to reintroduce oxygen is also part of this treatment. More than 90% of suspended particles are removed during secondary treatment.