Question

Distinguish between sewage & effluent.

Answer 1

Hint: One thing which is common between the two terms is that both are types of wastewater. Only the source of these waters differ.
SEWAGE– Sewage is a type of suspension of wastes in the form of liquid or solid. Sewage contains excreta of humans, animals, etc.
EFFLUENT- Effluent is something that flows out like rivers or lakes. Effluent is waste water that comes from factories or industries.

Complete answer :
There are two broad categories of waste water on the basis of their origin. They include sewage and industrial effluent. Sewage is wastewater generated from residential areas like communities whereas industrial effluent is wastewater generated from various industries.
The major differences b / w sewage and effluent are -

SEWAGE	EFFLUENT
Sewage is the wastemark or domestic wastewater which was produced by the community of people.	This is the waste material which was discharged into our sewers from any industrial or business processes.
Sewage is carried by the different drains & pipes from the community.	This is totally different from our daily household waste products.
This is a mixture of chemical, toxic materials.	This can be defined as anything other than our daily waste products like toilets, baths or other wastes.
Sewage is typically water and excrement. The piping system carrying the sewage is called sewerage.	Effluent is a more of a directional word when applied to wastewater or sewage. Sewage leaving my home is effluent. When it enters the local treatment system it is an influent. Once treated and leaving the treatment facility, it is again an effluent.

Note :
All sewage is wastewater but not all wastewater is sewage. Water that has been used for its purposes is wastewater. In a home, it may be grey water or sewage. In an industry, wastewater may be water contaminated with oils, acids, alkalis, etc. The sewage from that facility may or may not be directed to the same place. Industrial wastewater often needs pretreatment or treatment. The water leaving a car wash station is wastewater.