Introduction Environmental pressure from the Actors in the water chain target sector: an overview
The preparation of drinking water and the treatment of wastewater both generate sludge that contains, for example, nutrients, metals and toxic organic compounds. Discharges from sewage treatment plants also generate a burden on surface water.
Main contributions to environmental burden in the Netherlands
The Actors in the water chain target sector contributes substantially to the environmental themes Eutrophication, Toxic and hazardous substances, Waste management and Desiccation.
- Wastewater treatment plants treat wastewater discharged by households and businesses into the sewer system. The pollutants, such as nutrients, metals and organic compounds, are converted in the treatment plant or are left behind - in whole or in part - in the sewage sludge. The sludge is sent to landfill or incinerated. If environmental quality objectives permit it, only sludge from industrial plants can be re-used by agriculture. Discharges of residues contribute to the burden on surface water.
- Public water supplies contribute to desiccation in the Netherlands because of the use of surface water and groundwater.
- Where possible, rainwater is separated and drained off outside the treatment plants.
- Overview of all indicators in the Compendium about environmental pressure generated by Actors in the water chain
- Removal of sewage sludge in the Netherlands by destination, 1981-2001
- Water extraction and water consumption in the Netherlands, 1976-1996
Composition of the target sector
The Actors in the water chain target sector comprises supplies of drinking water and other water, sewage and the purification of urban wastewater in wastewater treatment plants (UWWTPs). The target sector processes the wastewater produced by consumers and businesses.
Wastewater treatment plants are managed by the regional water authorities: the treatment bodies and water boards. If businesses have their own wastewater treatment plants (known as IWWPs), these are allocated to the Industry target sector and not to this one. For purposes of comparison, these data are presented in some cases alongside data for the UWWTPs.
Wastewater treatment costs
The costs for the treatment of urban wastewater are passed on to households and businesses through the 'pollution levy'.
