ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the importance of environmental engineering, especially water and wastewater engineering, by tracing its historical development. It also presents water as a scarce natural resource vital for human wellbeing. The natural movement of water in the hydrologic cycle is outlined. Flow diagrams of essential components of a water supply system are presented. The different contaminants that require attention in wastewater treatment are listed and treatment processes are introduced. The prospects of environmental engineering and the role of the environmental engineer are foretold, and the effects of global warming are introduced.
