Treated wastewater can either be re-used or disposed of into the environment, where it re-enters the hydrological cycle. The most common means of treated wastewater disposal is by discharge and dilution into ambient rivers. Another way of disposal is land application, where the wastewater seeps into the ground and recharges underlying groundwater aquifers. It is essential to ensure that the quality of treated wastewater is acceptable before it is discharged into the environment. In order to ensure that the quality meets required limits, effective monitoring and management is required.
Further general information related to the legal requirements related to treated wastewater discharge/disposal is contained within the following section: