What Are The Sources Of Wastewater?

There are three main types of wastewater and all categories have several sources. It’s important to know the sources of wastewater so you can determine what passes through your wastewater systems – whether as a homeowner or business – and implement effective sewage treatment plans. That way, you’re investing in the protection of Australia’s ecosystem.

Here are some sources of wastewater:

1. Domestic wastewater

Domestic wastewater refers to the water used throughout your home to service baths, showers, toilets, laundries, food preparation, and sinks. As you go about your daily activities, the composition and strength of your domestic wastewater will fluctuate. This is because your water usage, diet, habits, and overall lifestyle can cause hourly, daily, and seasonal changes to your water output. Domestic wastewater varies between households since some homes use more water per capita than others.

Domestic wastewater is considered a form of point source pollution – where waste reaches water from a single discharge or outfall pipe. Domestic wastewater usually flows to a single location – such as septic tanks – where the wastewater treatment process begins.

 

2. Industrial wastewater

Sewage TreatmentIndustrial wastewater is defined as polluted water that originates from industrial and manufacturing processes. It encompasses any waste that comes from production stages. Industrial wastewater is a by-product of several industries, including:

  • Oil and gas fracking
  • Chemical manufacturing
  • Industrial laundries
  • Food and beverage processing
  • Metal refining
  • Clothing manufacturing
  • Technological industries
  • Mining
  • Steel/iron production
  • Power plants

By contrast to domestic wastewater, industrial wastewater is a form of dispersed-source water pollution since waste enters the water from unconfined spaces. For example, farms are considered a form of dispersed source pollution because their surface run-off includes fertilisers, animal faeces, silt, pesticides, and other chemicals.

This wastewater is more difficult to control and often requires the use of development standards and land-use plans to determine what waste originates from where.

3. Storm water

Stormwater is a form of wastewater in itself as it carries various pollutants after considerable rainfall. Some pollutants that may occur in urban stormwater include:

  • Petroleum residues
  • Sand
  • Road deicing chemicals

These pollutants usually enter stormwater from both agricultural and urban locations. That is, stormwater drains collect water from roof runoff, gutters, gardens, roads, and parks. This form of wastewater is also a dispersed source of pollution since stormwater enters local creeks, lakes, rivers, or streams from various locations.

Eco-Septic is a Sydney based manufacturer and specialises in commercial wastewater systems of various shapes and designs. We can provide fast and free quotes relevant to your commercial wastewater needs, all while keeping in mind individual spending capabilities.

Contact us today for a fast quote at 1800 808 135 or visit us at www.ecoseptic.com.au.

We cover all Sydney suburbs as well as the regions of South Coast, Snowy Mountains, Southern Highlands, Riverina, Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury, Laguna, North and Mid North Coast, Bateman’s Bay, Nowra, Mallacoota, Narooma, Balmora, Cobargo, Glenn Ines, Avondale, Glenmore, Mogo, Tarago, Torrumbarry, Albury, Faulconbridge, Maraylya, Sherbrooke, Strathdickie, Little Hartley, Linden, cattail, Bowen Mountain, Murwillumbah, Kyogle, Bryon Bay, Lismore, Evan Heads, Yamba, Grafton and surrounding areas.