There has been an increase in the demand for effective wastewater management due to the piling up of industrial activities in urban areas.
This comes more into focus, considering the fact that approximately 359 billion cubic meters of contaminated water are produced every year (Source: Carlow Tanks, 2022).
This disaster has detrimental effects on the environment as well as wildlife and even fisheries, and that’s why it is referred to simply as a ‘waste of water.’
Hence, pollution associated with aqua resources has to be managed for the conservation of the environment.
In this blog, we have discussed the significant aspects that concentrate on why the treatment of wastewater is a necessity.
Types Of Wastewater: Domestic And Industrial
When discussing wastewater, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that it is one thing that encompasses anything to do with water that needs to be treated.
Though this is true in a general sense, in reality, there are two different types, and these are domestic treatment, such as sewage management, etc., and industrial.
These, according to the equipment suppliers over at prwater.com.au, can consist of everything from heavy metal removal to silt control.
The type of management required for each type will vary as it depends on the scale and quality in which the waste must be processed.
The data below showcases that the wastewater treatment plant market size has grown strongly from $134.46 billion in 2024 to $143.61 billion in 2025.
Domestic Wastewater Treatment
Sewage, often known as domestic wastewater, is the result of daily living and comprises water from sinks, laundry, toilets, and showers.
The treatment eliminates these toxins, therefore preserving public health and ecosystems.
The process facilities break down organic debris, remove solids, and sterilize the waste using physical, biological, and chemical techniques.
It also guarantees the safety of the water returned to the environment and, therefore, conserving aqua supplies for the next generations.
Industrial Wastewater Treatment
Industrial wastewater refers to water that is used in manufacturing processes or comes out as a byproduct of it.
Among the many contaminants it could include are heavy metals, chemicals, oils, and other junk from an industry.
These are often highly toxic and incredibly dangerous to simply allow them to return to the source.
Ignored, these toxins can taint water supplies and endanger the health of all living things.
Consequently, removing these contaminants and rendering them safe for reusing or discharge back into the environment rely heavily on this process.
If neither type of polluted water is addressed properly, it can pose dire consequences for the environment and human life, leading to disasters.
How Is Wastewater Treated?
You might now have a deeper understanding of the different types of wastewater and why it can be so problematic if left untreated.
So, let’s move on to how it’s cleaned so it can be rendered safe (or at least usable) again.
Though treatment can vary across industries and uses, the general process usually involves the following:
1.Preliminary treatment
This is the first stage and includes the removal of the larger particulates that will damage the finer equipment used later in the process.
It uses basic ideas like screening and grit removal techniques to rid it of anything over a specific size.
2.Primary treatment
Once it is clear of the larger debris, it can move onto the so-called primary management stage.
This part focuses on taking away any sediments that have sunken into the fluid and skimming any sludge that has gathered on the top.
3. Secondary treatment
This stage uses biological processes to remove dissolved organic matter and utilizes methods such as aeration, which promotes the rapid breakdown of any organic matter still floating about.
This could be the end of the matter for some uses, and the water can be reused in some way, however, in most cases, it will move on to the final stage.
4.Tertiary treatment
At this point, we get to the part that is perhaps most commonly associated with wastewater management.
This is the process that involves chemicals and disinfectants that are used to eliminate any bacteria or viruses that remain post-treatment.
The most common techniques include the use of UV radiation or chlorination for the job, but other options exist depending on the situation.
In some cases, these procedures may also treat the sludge removed at the primary managing stage to make it easier to dispose of without causing harm.
Do You Know? Brazil has the highest freshwater resources in the world.
Environmental Impact Of Untreated Wastewater
There is no situation where it is acceptable to release tainted and contaminated water back into the ecosystem.
Doing so violates entire chapters of most nations’ environmental regulations and guidelines and can even wreak havoc on the very thing we need to survive.
It will surely damage the scarily small quantities of fresh, potable water available on the planet.
Also, if it is released into the aqua resources, it can kill off entire food webs, rendering entire areas uninhabitable.
Health Risks Associated With Contaminated Water
In most modern countries, mass diseases have been somewhat avoided for the most part.
Thanks to the efforts of those involved in the treatment of wastewater and the incredibly stringent laws surrounding them.
Nevertheless, if exposed to such contaminated water, it can cause all manner of nasty problems, such as:
Even if you are able to avoid these by way of inoculations, etc., just entering polluted water systems can cause things like skin irritation and respiratory problems that involve the use of harsh antibiotics to cure.
It makes sense to treat the waste using the techniques discussed earlier and ensure that it remains safe and able to enjoy the natural environment.
At last, I hope that after reading this post you’ve understood why it is required to treat polluted water.
Also, have gained a newfound appreciation for the people who work for and invest in the tech used in this highly underappreciated job.
