Book excerpt: The 28-page Layperson's Guide to California Wastewater is an in-depth, easy-to-understand publication that provides background information on the history of wastewater treatment and how wastewater is collected, conveyed, treated and disposed of today. The guide also offers case studies of different treatment plants and their treatment processes. Additional information explains the regulatory and legal requirements of wastewater treatment, current challenges facing the industry and a list of additional resources.