Haushaltsabwässer

Haushaltsabwässer, also known as domestic wastewater or sewage, refers to water used in households that is no longer required and is then discharged. This water typically contains a variety of contaminants originating from activities such as flushing toilets, bathing, washing clothes, and dishwashing. The composition of household wastewater includes organic matter, nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, pathogens from human waste, detergents, and various other dissolved and suspended solids.

The management of household wastewater is a critical aspect of public health and environmental protection. Untreated or inadequately treated wastewater can pose significant risks, including the contamination of drinking water sources, the spread of waterborne diseases, and the eutrophication of water bodies due to excessive nutrient loads.

In most developed areas, household wastewater is collected through a network of underground pipes called sewers. This collected wastewater is then transported to a wastewater treatment plant. At the treatment plant, various physical, biological, and chemical processes are employed to remove pollutants before the treated water, known as effluent, is discharged into rivers, lakes, or the sea, or sometimes reused for non-potable purposes. In areas lacking centralized sewer systems, individual septic systems or other on-site treatment methods are used. The effective treatment and disposal of household wastewater are essential for maintaining a healthy environment and protecting human well-being.