Wastewater Technology Fact Sheet - Disinfection for Small Systems

The impact of untreated and partially treated domestic wastewater on rivers and community water sources continues to raise health and safety concerns. The organisms of concern in domestic wastewater include enteric bacteria, viruses, and protozoan cysts. Table 1 summarizes the most common microorganisms found in domestic wastewater and the types of human diseases associated with them. Based on health and safety concerns associated with microorganisms present in wastewater, EPA has increased its efforts to address the wastewater treatment needs of all communities across the United States. As a result, small community wastewater treatment needs are an EPA priority.