Wastewater

Old wastewater treatment plants can contribute nitrogen and phosphorous to the Chesapeake Bay, but plants across the watershed are being upgraded. Alan Quimby from the Queen Anne’s County (Md.) Department of Public Works explains how these upgrades are helping the Bay. (Matt Rath/Chesapeake Bay Program)

FAQ

What is wastewater?

Wastewater is all the used water that originates from households—toilets and bathroom fixtures, kitchens, laundry, lawn and garden irrigation, swimming pools—as well as from industrial, commercial and agricultural activities and polluted runoff.

What pollutants are found in wastewater?

Depending on the source, some wastewater can contain nutrient or sediment pollution, or dissolved chemical contaminants.

How many wastewater treatment plants are there?

The Chesapeake Bay region is home to 472 municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants.

How does wastewater affect the Chesapeake Bay?

Depending on the source, some wastewater can contain nutrient or sediment pollution, or dissolved chemical contaminants. If left untreated, those pollutants can cause harm to waterways, wildlife or humans when released back into the environment.

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Terms

Anoxia

A condition in which little or no oxygen is present in a body of water. Also called a “dead zone.”

Chemical contaminants

Pesticides, pharmaceuticals, metals and other toxic substances that can harm the health of both humans and wildlife.

Denitrification

The loss or removal of nitrogen or nitrogen compounds.

Nitrification

The process by which ammonia is oxidized into nitric acid or another nitrate or nitrite. Biological nitrification is a key step in the removal of nitrogen from wastewater.

Nutrients

Chemicals that plants and animals need to grow and survive but, in excess amounts, can harm aquatic environments. Elevated levels of the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorous are the main cause of poor water quality in the Chesapeake Bay.

Pollution

The introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment.

Wastewater

Water that has been used in homes, industries and businesses that is not reuseable unless treated by a wastewater treatment facility.

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