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Wastewater is any water that has been used in homes, businesses, or industries and has been discharged. This includes water from toilets, sinks, showers, laundries, dishwashers, and industrial processes. It can also include stormwater runoff that has picked up pollutants from streets and other surfaces. Untreated wastewater contains a variety of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, organic matter, nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, heavy metals, and chemicals. These pollutants can pose significant risks to human health and the environment if released without proper treatment.

Wastewater treatment is the process of removing these contaminants to make the water safe for discharge back into the environment or for reuse. The treatment process typically involves several stages, including preliminary treatment to remove large debris, primary treatment to settle out solids, secondary treatment to biologically break down organic matter, and tertiary treatment for further purification, such as disinfection. Different types of wastewater, such as domestic sewage and industrial wastewater, may require specialized treatment methods depending on their specific composition. Effective wastewater management is crucial for public health, protecting ecosystems, and conserving water resources.