Definition of Water Pollution

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

by man or due to mans 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 Efcient? Cato Journal, 2(1),
165-204.
Novotny, V. & Olem, H. (1994). Water quality: Prevention, identification, and
management of diffuse pollution. New York: Wiley