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. In most communities, wastewater comes from both residential and nonresidential sources. Household or residential wastewater is divided into black water and gray water. These types of household wastewater have different characteristics, but both contain substances that can cause disease if not properly treated.