The treatment of wastewater to remove or reduce contaminants prior to discharge into another treatment system or a receiving water. Wastewater: Usually refers to effluent from a sewage treatment plant. See also: domestic wastewater. Discharge: Flow of surface water in a stream or canal or the outflow of groundwater from a flowing artesian well, ditch, or spring. Can also apply to discharge of liquid effluent from a facility or to chemical emissions into the air through designated venting mechanisms