Definition of Water Pollution

“Change in physical, chemical, radiological, or biological quality of the water caused

by man or due to man’s activities that is injurious to existing, intended or potential

uses of the water” (Novotny & Olem, 1994).

“Damage to the services provided by the water caused by the disposal of residuals

from production or consumption activities causing the emissions of materials into the

water that can reduce its service” (Milliman, 1982).

“Water pollution means any detrimental change in the composition, content or quality

of the water of a water system caused by man through the direct or indirect

introduction into the water of substances or energy provided that the change does not

only reduce the capacity of the water to neutralize or carry away those substances or

energy or has only been brought about by a change in the volume, velocity or

turbulence of the water” (Lammers, 1984).

“The placing of any matter in a position where pollution enters or is likely to enter

any waters” (Australia Protection of the Environment Operations Act, 1997).

In Section 1(3), “‘Pollution of the environment’ means pollution of the environment

due to the release (into any environmental medium) from any process of substances

which are capable of causing harm to man or any other living organisms supported by

the environment” (UK Environmental Protection Act, 1990).

Legislation

1. European Union Water Framework Directive

Protection and enhancement of all surface waters and groundwater in

EU.

Achievement of good water quality defined with reference to

ecological and chemical status of waters by 2015.

2. Royal Commission 1898

Recommended sewage to be treated to a standard of 30 mg dm-3

suspended solids and 20 mg dm-3 BOD and that discharges should be

diluted 1:8 in the receiving water.

Also known as “30:20” standard.

3. The Water Resources Act 1991

4. Groundwater Regulations 1998

Discussion

1. Waste water treatment

Processes

Impact on environment

2. Recycling / grey water use and reuse

Processes

Potential

Problems

3. New technologies for the future

4. Current and future challenges

Water supply shortage

5. Excess nitrate and phosphate

Sources

Impacts

6. Effects of pollution on fish

7. Biological indicators for water quality assessment

References

Australia. New South Wales Environment Protection Agency. (1997). Protection of

the Environment Operations Act. Australasian Legal Information Institute.

United Kingdom. Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. (1990).

Environment Protection Act. London: HMSO.

Lammers, J. G. (1984). Pollution of international watercourses. The Hague: Matrinus

Nijhoff Publishers.

Milliman, J.W. (1982). Can Water Pollution Control Be Efficient? Cato Journal, 2(1),

165-204.

Novotny, V. & Olem, H. (1994). Water quality: Prevention, identification, and

management of diffuse pollution. New York: Wiley