It is the same water that has been used since the beginning of time. The only exception is water that has been identified as being so badly contaminated that treating it would not make it safe or usable. This means that even our wastewater must be returned to the environment so that it can be reused again and again. Water has been recycled through the ages long before we understood or recognized the importance of this environmental concept. Wastewater is sewage and storm water.
Wastewater comes from our homes, local factories, businesses, and industries.
It comes from farm animals, wildlife, and humans. In addition, wastewater impacts the local economy, recreation, residential and business development, utility bills, taxes, and other aspects of our everyday life. Storm water is a collection of surface runoff following a rain. As water runs off the land, it can pick up impurities. Water collected in storm sewers may travel to a treatment plant, but more often to a nearby stream, river, or collection basin.