Chemicals Industry

Many industries use complex organic chemicals in the manufacture of their products. For example, in the production of detergents, dyes and paints, plastics, pesticides, and petro-chemicals, the process water can become contaminated with any number of ingredients or by-products that were used during production. Some are known to be toxic to the environment and humans; for many the effects of their consumption are not known.

Water and GrapesFood industry

The food sector ranges from dairy, fruit and vegetables, to brewers and confectionary. Although food products are biodegradable, non-toxic, organic material, if disposed of in high volumes they are a source of organically rich wastewater. Food production wastewater can potentially pollute waterways and groundwater if they are discharge untreated. Most organic wastewater is composed of proteins, sugars, carbohydrates, fat or grease, suspended solids and water.

Service Industries

Service industries, such as metal workshops, dry cleaners, photo processors and printers, also use considerable quantities of toxic, or potentially toxic substances.

Methods of effluent disposal, material storage practices and pollution control techniques all influence the impacts that discharges will have in water sources. Improper storage and release of chemicals on commercial and industrial sites can also have severe, adverse impacts on water quality. To protect water sources wastes must be properly treated before they are discharged into watercourses.

Adapted from Pollution Probe's Source Water Protection Primer