Wastewater

The spent or used water from an individual household, a community or commercial establishment which contains dissolved and suspended matter that is harmful to human health and the environment. Wastewater requires treatment to remove bacteria and pathogens, either through an onsite decentralized wastewater treatment system or a centralized municipal sewage system, before it can safely be released into the environment. Household wastewater includes liquid-solid mixtures from toilets, sinks, showers, bathtubs, washing machines, dishwashers and other drains. Wastewater is measured in miligrams per liter BOD, (biochemical oxygen demand), with a typical residential waste strength of 200 to 300 mgl BOD. <