Wastewater is the water that drains into a sewer pipe, each time you flush the toilet, pull the plug from a sink, have a shower or use water on your property.
Wastewater is also known as sewage. Wastewater contains bacteria and waste materials, which are treated or removed to protect public health and the environment.
Most wastewater comes from showers, baths and washing machines. Wastewater is 99 per cent water. The other 1 per cent includes organic matter such as human waste, food scraps, fats, oil and grease, and debris such as sand, grit and plastic. Wastewater can also contain household chemicals, paint and pharmaceuticals, which can be harmful to our health and to waterways.