What is wastewater?

According to UNESCO (2017), 80% of the wastewater returns to the ecosystem without being treated or reused: this is a major water challenge.

Wastewater is any type of water whose quality has been negatively affected by human activity. The water has no immediate value for the purpose it was used or produced because of its quality, quantity, or the moment at which it is available. 

There are different types of wastewaters, depending on the source. The main types of wastewaters are:

1 . Urban wastewater

It refers to domestic wastewater (or sewage) or a mix of it with industrial wastewater or stormwater runoff. 

2 . Domestic wastewater

Wastewater from residential and services areas, generated mainly by human metabolism and household activities.

3 . Industrial wastewater

The wastewater discharged from facilities used for commercial or industrial activities, not including domestic wastewater nor stormwater.