Water pollution prevention and control

Water pollution occurs when a body of water is adversely affected due to the addition of large amounts of materials to water. Two types of water pollutants exist: point source and non-point source. Point sources of pollution occur when harmful substances like oil are emitted directly into a body of water. A non-point source delivers pollutants indirectly through environmental changes. One example of this type of pollution is when fertilizer from a field flows into a stream by rain, in the form of run-off. Pollution from non-point sources accounts for the majority of contaminants in streams and lakes. One of the most common forms of water pollution control is the treatment of wastewater from homes, businesses and industry. Municipal plants treat and purify wastewater before it is released back into streams, rivers and lakes. Additional control measures include pretreatment of waste at industrial facilities before it is released into the wastewater system. New treatment technologies are also under development, including the use of biological treatments such as carbon adsorption, distillation and reverse osmosis. These treatments allow for the re-use of formerly toxic wastewater for industrial and agricultural purposes.

Case Studies

Redefining wastewater treatment in Augusta, Georgia Augusta, Georgia, United States | June 1, 2004 CH2M Hill is redefining wastewater treatment in Augusta, Georgia by treating industrial organic waste and using it to nourish the neighboring wetlands. Learn more

Tending to treatment in Thailand

Moroccans secure precious natural resource

Wastewater adds value in poor farming communities

Fortifying a nation’s water revolution

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