Wastewater Treatment

Wastewater treatment is the separation and extraction of solid waste from liquid waste, and the removal of nutrients and pathogens.

Most of our wastewater is domestic sewage discharged into the environment daily from kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, and toilets. Domestic wastewater flows through networks of pipes and pump stations to central wastewater treatment plants, where it is treated before being discharged to land or water. Industrial and commercial industries also discharge large quantities of wastewater that is usually first treated on site. Domestic rural wastewater is usually also treated on-site in septic systems.

Wastewater treatment stations significantly impact the environment and require a Resource Consent to discharge into water, the air, or on to land.

Kaitiaki Tools will help you identify activities and environmental impacts specifically related to wastewater treatment.