In a semi-arid area like Palestine which has a limited amount of potable water, wastewater treatment becomes an essential matter to protect the environment and to save large amounts of water which can be used in agriculture and industry. The per capita wastewater discharge is expected to increase as a result of changes in life style. In the Jenin district, most of the wastewater is generated from industrial and residential areas. Controlled treatment of wastewater is essential to reducing potential pollution of surface or groundwater, and the spreading of any epidemic diseases in Jenin's community. In addition, recycled wastewater can be an excellent source for irrigation purposes.
Domestic wastewater is generated from residential, commercial, institutional and public buildings.
Other components such as gases, microorganisms and other materials are also present. The quantity of domestic wastewater produced in the Jenin district is approximately 4.3 MCM per year. The quality and properties of the wastewater depend on the contributing industries, infiltration, institutional discharges, the legal or illicit dumping of cesspit sludge into the sewers and several other factors. In general, wastewater in Palestine is characterized as concentrated wastewater. This is due to low water consumption, old and inefficient water supply networks, high cost of water and finally to the intermittent water supply.