Sewage vs. Drainage — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 28, 2023
Sewage refers to waste water and its contents, often from homes and industries, while Drainage is the process or system of removing excess water or liquid waste. Both involve the movement and treatment of fluids.
Difference Between Sewage and Drainage
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Sewage and Drainage, while related, have distinct meanings. Sewage pertains to the waste water and its accompanying contents that originate from homes, industries, and other establishments. This waste water often carries contaminants, making it essential to treat before reintroducing into the environment.
Drainage, on the other hand, is more about the removal of surplus water or liquid waste. Whether it's precipitation runoff in urban areas or excess water in agricultural lands, Drainage systems ensure this water finds a path away from places where it could be harmful or unwanted.
It's worth noting that while all Sewage involves Drainage, not all Drainage is Sewage. For example, rainwater draining from rooftops through gutters is part of a Drainage system, but this water doesn't necessarily qualify as Sewage unless it's contaminated.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Waste water and its contents from homes and industries.
The process or system of removing excess water or liquid waste.
Origin
Often originates from domestic or industrial settings.
Can come from various sources, including rain or groundwater.
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Environmental Concern
Contamination and spread of diseases.
Flooding, soil erosion, and waterlogging.
Treatment
Requires treatment before releasing into the environment.
Not always contaminated and may not always need treatment.
Scope
A specific type of wastewater.
A broader concept encompassing all types of water removal.
Compare with Definitions
Sewage
Waste water and its contaminants from domestic or industrial sources.
The city's treatment plant processes Sewage before releasing it into the river.
Drainage
The process of removing water or waste liquids.
The farm required better Drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Sewage
Liquid waste containing human excreta.
The broken pipe spilled Sewage onto the street.
Drainage
The manner in which waters are shed from a high point.
Proper Drainage ensures that water flows away from the building.
Sewage
Used water from sinks, showers, and toilets.
Sewage systems collect waste water from households.
Drainage
The act of making something dry.
The soil's Drainage properties were enhanced with sand.
Sewage
Water-carried waste, in solution or suspension.
The smell indicated a Sewage leak nearby.
Drainage
Directing fluid flow in a particular direction.
Drainage tubes were inserted to prevent fluid accumulation.
Sewage
A mixture of water and waste products.
Sewage treatment is vital for public health.
Drainage
Drainage is the natural or artificial removal of a surface's water and sub-surface water from an area with excess of water. The internal drainage of most agricultural soils is good enough to prevent severe waterlogging (anaerobic conditions that harm root growth), but many soils need artificial drainage to improve production or to manage water supplies.
Sewage
Sewage (or domestic sewage, domestic wastewater, municipal wastewater) is a type of wastewater that is produced by a community of people. It is characterized by volume or rate of flow, physical condition, chemical and toxic constituents, and its bacteriologic status (which organisms it contains and in what quantities).
Drainage
The action or a method of draining.
Sewage
Liquid and solid waste carried off in sewers or drains.
Drainage
A system of drains.
Sewage
A suspension of water and solid waste, transported by sewers to be disposed of or processed.
Drainage
Something that is drained off.
Sewage
(obsolete) sewerage.
Drainage
(Medicine) The removal of fluid or purulent material from a wound or body cavity.
Sewage
The contents of a sewer or drain; refuse liquids or matter carried off by sewers
Drainage
A natural or artificial means for the removal of fluids from a given area by its draining away.
Sewage
Sewerage, 2.
Drainage
A system of drains.
Sewage
Waste matter carried away in sewers or drains
Drainage
A downward wind.
Drainage
A draining; a gradual flowing off of any liquid; also, that which flows out of a drain.
Drainage
The mode in which the waters of a country pass off by its streams and rivers.
Drainage
The system of drains and their operation, by which superfluous water is removed from towns, railway beds, mines, and other works.
Drainage
Area or district drained; as, the drainage of the Po, the Thames, etc.
Drainage
The act, process, or means of drawing off the pus or fluids from a wound, abscess, etc.
Drainage
Emptying accomplished by draining
Drainage
A system or channel that carries off excess water.
The city's Drainage system prevents flooding during heavy rains.
Common Curiosities
Can Drainage lead to environmental concerns?
Yes, improper Drainage can result in flooding, soil erosion, and other issues.
Does all Drainage require treatment?
No, only Drainage that contains contaminants, like Sewage, typically requires treatment.
Can Drainage systems also carry Sewage?
Yes, some Drainage systems are designed to transport Sewage to treatment plants.
What happens if Sewage isn't treated properly?
Untreated Sewage can lead to environmental contamination and spread of diseases.
Is Sewage always contaminated?
Yes, Sewage typically contains waste and contaminants from various sources.
Are Sewage and Drainage systems interconnected?
Often, yes. Many urban areas have combined systems where both rainwater and Sewage use the same Drainage infrastructure.
Can Drainage water be pure?
Drainage water can be relatively clean, especially if it's just rainwater runoff.
Why is Sewage treatment essential?
Sewage treatment protects public health and reduces environmental impact.
How are Drainage patterns determined?
Drainage patterns are influenced by factors like topography, soil, and underlying rock structures.
Can Sewage be recycled?
Yes, with advanced treatment, Sewage can be purified and reused for various purposes.
What materials can be found in Sewage?
Sewage can contain domestic waste, industrial contaminants, microorganisms, and more.
How can one improve land Drainage?
Methods include installing drain tiles, ditches, or even changing the land's slope.
What's the main purpose of Drainage?
The primary purpose of Drainage is to remove excess or unwanted water.
Are there natural Drainage systems?
Yes, rivers, streams, and certain terrains can serve as natural Drainage pathways.
Are there different types of Drainage systems?
Yes, there are various systems like stormwater Drainage, agricultural Drainage, and more.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
