Figure 3.1 The evolving nature of wastewater systems

Textual description

This figure shows the evolving nature of wastewater systems. In the late 19th/early 20th century, wastewater from homes and factories was piped untreated to outfalls. In the mid-to-late 20th century, wastewater was treated before being released into waterways. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, there is a managed ‘take’ from the ecosystem. Wastewater is collected and treated, and the rate, volume and quality of its re-entry into the ecosystem are managed.