Wastewater is water that contains pollutants or has been changed physically such as acquiring thermal energy or a more concentrated mineral level though evaporation, making it no longer suitable for re-use. Wastewater, depending on its characteristics, can either be discharged to the ground, surface water, sanitary sewer or, if more highly polluted, sent for off-site treatment as regulated waste. Virtually all wastewater discharges require a discharge permit issued by the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection. In some cases, local approval is also required. Please contact Environmental Health and Safety for assistance in coordinating these approvals.