Knowledge Hub

The Knowledge Hub synthesizes the impacts of ocean wastewater pollution, provides a primer for those new to the sanitation sector, explores opportunities in the solution space, includes an ever-growing library of multimedia resources, and serves as a gathering spot for folks to connect and collaborate on this issue.

Wastewater pollution has been a largely invisible problem. It becomes visible when people fall ill, fisheries fail, beaches close, toxic algal blooms wreak havoc, and much more. The negative repercussions of wastewater pollution are in front of us – we just need to recognize them. But, documentation of wastewater pollution can be difficult to find due to historical neglect of this issue, so Ocean Sewage Alliance partners began to identify and organize key pieces of information to help others build the case, point to the evidence, and connect to experts.

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The Problem

Not only does wastewater pollution impact the health of people and oceans, it has negative repercussions that extend into our daily lives — from public health to social equity to food security to climate resilience — the silent crisis is severe and pervasive.

The Opportunity

Although the wastewater pollution problem may seem daunting, we have good news. There are many solutions that can prevent and mitigate the risk — it's time we advance our treatment systems and close the loop.

Policy

Policy is a crucial component for enacting change. International goals, regulatory mechanisms and monitoring programs are all ways that wastewater pollution could be better managed for a changing world.

Sanitation 101

The sanitation space can be confusing. This section breaks down the basics of sanitation terminology, system types, degrees of treatment, sanitation systems, and treatment technologies.

Library

There's always room to learn more. Check out our curated library of case studies, courses, maps, news, podcasts, publications, resources, videos and webinars.

Looking to collaborate?

Multiple brains are better than one, just ask an octopus. That's why we've created a Collaborative Space so you can exchange insights and connect with folks from a variety of fields, backgrounds and locations! If you'd like to join, please sign up here.

A Note About Terminology

We speak about human waste differently, depending on our cultures, nationalities, and even fields of work, so it is important to know these distinctions when engaged in cross-sector collaboration. Colloquially, the general use of the term sewage means any human excrement and household grey and/or black water, regardless of where or how it has been stored and transported. Technically, the term sewage refers to human excrement that has been conveyed through a conduit using water – typically where plumbing and centralized sewer systems are in place. Instead, sanitation practitioners use the term wastewater to refer to discharged human waste, regardless of origin. When we talk about wastewater effluent, we must also remember it also includes household wastes like phosphates and a host of chemicals of emerging concern, as well as urban run-off and associated pollutants. Additionally, human waste includes endocrine disruptors, pharmaceuticals, recreational drugs, petrochemicals, pathogens, and more. All of these contaminants pose a threat to ocean and human health and are part of wastewater pollution.

Suggest a Resource

Help us build a comprehensive library of the latest knowledge on wastewater pollution. Submit case studies, publications, videos, or other materials to expand our collective understanding and tools for change.

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Fast Facts & Stats

Get a quick and clear overview of wastewater pollution with our one-page guide. Designed for easy sharing, it provides the essential facts and stats for a fast introduction to the topic.

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Collaborate with Others

Multiple brains are better than one — just ask an octopus. Join our space to connect with diverse individuals, exchange insights, and co-create solutions for wastewater pollution together.

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