The wastewater sector must fight against contaminants

A joined-up approach is key

Collaborative frameworks have been established between the water industry, government, and the health sector to monitor contaminants in the wastewater network. Wastewater flows accurately indicate social and economic trends, from consumer behavior and industrial practices to the recreational habits and health of the population.

Contaminants have been measured to establish baselines for each wastewater service provider, catchment, region, and country. This baseline data is used to spot anomalies, develop control measures, and assess their effectiveness. Fast-evolving knowledge and experience are shared openly to support global efforts to mitigate the risks from pollution.

Disease control

Wastewater monitoring has been particularly valuable in disease control. in 2020, COVID-19 was monitored in wastewater, providing early warning of increased prevalence in specific areas. Over the following years, the range of viruses and bacteria tracked has increased, allowing health authorities to respond quickly to emerging outbreaks.

Public awareness and education campaigns have reduced the disposal of medicines, toiletries, and waste products into the wastewater system and aquatic environment. Across all branches of manufacturing industry, companies have dramatically reduced pollution by finding new ways to recover, reuse, or safely dispose of contaminants in their waste streams.

These actions are of huge but largely invisible significance for public health. The cleaner aquatic environment has positive effects on air quality, biodiversity, and the food chain.

The reduction in antibiotics in wastewater has slowed the rate at which harmful bacteria develop antimicrobial resistance, giving the medical profession much-needed time to develop new protections against the growing threat of “super-bugs.”

Plastics bagged

Governments have worked with water companies and other infrastructure owners as well as academia and the private sector to cut plastics pollution.

Ever tighter regulations have cut the use of plastics in everything from cars to skincare products. Innovative adaptation of the “polluter pays” principle has made organizations that are indirectly responsible for plastic pollution — food and drink companies, and manufacturers of wet wipes, for example — bear the cost of cleaning it up.

Supported by government investment, water companies have added new treatment processes to remove inorganic and plastic contaminants from wastewater, preventing them from entering the environment.