domestic sewage

wastewater

Also known as: sanitary sewage

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Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

Domestic sewage, also known as sanitary sewage, is wastewater generated from homes and apartments. It is composed of over 99.9% water, with the remaining fraction containing dissolved and suspended impurities. These impurities include organic materials, plant nutrients, and potentially disease-causing microbes.1

The disposal of domestic wastewater presents a significant technical challenge due to the large volumes involved and the nature of the contaminants. While industrial sewage comes from manufacturing processes and storm sewage is runoff from precipitation, domestic sewage specifically relates to water used within households. The presence of coliform bacteria in domestic sewage is often used as an indicator of pollution.12

Wastewater treatment systems are designed to purify this water before discharge, protecting public health and water quality. Treatment processes aim to remove suspended solids, biodegradable organic matter, and destroy pathogenic bacteria.3

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wastewater treatment
Types of sewage
…types of wastewater, or sewage: domestic sewage, industrial sewage, and storm sewage. Domestic sewage carries used water from houses and apartments; it is also called sanitary sewage. Industrial sewage is used water from manufacturing or chemical processes. Storm sewage, or storm water, is runoff from precipitation that is collected in…
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…types of wastewater, or sewage: domestic sewage, industrial sewage, and storm sewage. Domestic sewage carries used water from houses and apartments; it is also called sanitary sewage. Industrial sewage is used water from manufacturing or chemical processes. Storm sewage, or storm water, is runoff from precipitation that is collected in…
Read More

water pollution
Domestic sewage
Domestic sewage is the primary source of pathogens (disease-causing microorganisms) and putrescible organic substances. Because pathogens are excreted in feces, all sewage from cities and towns is likely to contain pathogens of some type, potentially presenting a direct threat to public health. Putrescible organic matter
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Domestic sewage is the primary source of pathogens (disease-causing microorganisms) and putrescible organic substances. Because pathogens are excreted in feces, all sewage from cities and towns is likely to contain pathogens of some type, potentially presenting a direct threat to public health. Putrescible organic matter
Read More