residences, business buildings, and institutions. In contrast, industrial wastewater derives directly from manufacturing plants. The term, municipal wastewater, refers to "liquid treated in a municipal treatment plant." In many towns and cities, municipal wastes may include both domestic and industrial wastes.
Both environmental awareness and--in certain areas of the country--increased demand for limited water supplies, have led to widespread efforts towards wastewater reclamation. The actual term, reclamation, refers to improving the quality of wastewater to such an extent that it may be directly used over again. Perhaps the most important wastewater reuse involves agriculture: This application accounts for as much as 60 percent of all recycled wastewater. In addition, industry uses approximately 30 percent. These applications typically include industrial cooling and process waters. Last, the remaining 10 percent is used for fish and wildlife, recreation, and groundwater recharge. For example, in Orange County, California, reclaimed wastewater
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