effluent

But opposition leaders have called the clean-up "cosmetic", alleging that chemicals had been used to mask the froth without addressing the fundamental causes of the pollution: untreated sewage and industrial effluents.

These would use treated effluent to supply the volumes of water needed and minimise energy use.

Anglian Water points out that it is not obliged to supply water for non-domestic use and suggests recycled water from the final stage of effluent treatment as a coolant rather than drinking water.

Pure Water Southern California is projected to cost $8 billion and produce up to 150 million gallons of drinking water daily by purifying treated effluent that is now discharged into the ocean.

But many questions remain: Where would the effluent from a PCH sewer be treated?