Wastewater: meaning, definitions and examples

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wastewater

 

[ ˈweɪstˌwɔːtər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

environmental science

Wastewater refers to any water that has been adversely affected in quality by human influence. It is typically used water from homes, industries, and businesses that contains various pollutants. Treatment of wastewater is essential to prevent environmental contamination and protect public health.

Synonyms

effluent, sewage, used water

Examples of usage

  • The treatment plant processes wastewater before it's released into the river.
  • Wastewater can contain harmful chemicals that need to be filtered out.
  • Efforts to recycle wastewater are becoming increasingly popular in urban areas.

Translations

Translations of the word "wastewater" in other languages:

🇵🇹 água residual

🇮🇳 निगमित जल

🇩🇪 Abwasser

🇮🇩 air limbah

🇺🇦 стічні води

🇵🇱 ścieki

🇯🇵 廃水

🇫🇷 eaux usées

🇪🇸 aguas residuales

🇹🇷 atık su

🇰🇷 폐수

🇸🇦 مياه الصرف

🇨🇿 odpadní voda

🇸🇰 odpadová voda

🇨🇳 废水

🇸🇮 odpadna voda

🇮🇸 úrgangsvatn

🇰🇿 кәріз суы

🇬🇪 არაყი

🇦🇿 kanalizasiya suyu

🇲🇽 aguas residuales

Word origin

The term 'wastewater' originated in the late 19th century, combining the word 'waste,' which traces its roots back to the Old English 'wæst,' meaning 'abandon, waste,' and 'water,' derived from the Old English 'wæter.' As urbanization increased and sanitation systems were developed, the concept of wastewater gained prominence. Initially, the focus was on sewage generated from households. However, with industrialization, the definition expanded to include all used water that has been impacted by its passage through human systems, including agricultural runoff and industrial discharges. Wastewater management has become a critical factor in sustainability and environmental protection, highlighting the need for effective treatment processes and recycling methods to mitigate pollution and conserve water resources.