Sustainable Wastewater Management: An Introductory Overview

Wastewater management in developing countries is at a crossroad, and it is generally agreed there is an urgent need for a shift in the approach to wastewater management and planning in developing countries. Needs are growing, resources are scarce, previous management systems have failed, and traditional techniques and solutions are not rapid, effi cient, or cost-effective enough to solve the wastewater management problems developing countries are facing. At a time when traditional paradigms have proven insuffi cient and new ones have yet to fully take form, many new emerging views, opinions, and competing systems and technologies are seeing the light of day. Some of these are more appropriate and sustainable than others. This is an excellent time for rethinking, experimenting, and seeking new paths.