Tracking Every City That Dumps Sewage Into Our Oceans
We are building the world's first comprehensive database documenting where, how much, and when cities discharge untreated or partially treated sewage directly into the ocean.
This unprecedented transparency project will expose the full scale of ocean sewage pollution and provide the data needed to calculate when our oceans will reach critical tipping points for sustaining marine life.
The Hidden Crisis
Every day, billions of gallons of untreated human waste, industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and toxins flow directly from city sewage systems into our oceans. No one has ever created a complete inventory—until now.
Why This Database Matters
No Transparency
Most cities don't publicly disclose their sewage discharge rates, locations, or treatment levels. The data exists but is scattered, hidden, or inaccessible.
Public Health Risk
Raw sewage contains pathogens, viruses, heavy metals, microplastics, and pharmaceutical residues that contaminate beaches, seafood, and drinking water.
Marine Ecosystem Collapse
Nutrient overload from sewage causes dead zones, algae blooms, coral death, and mass fish kills. We're destroying the ocean's ability to support life.
Predictive Modeling
With comprehensive data, we can calculate tipping points and predict when ocean systems will collapse under the pollution load.
The Scale of the Problem
Global Sewage Discharge Database
Browse, search, and analyze sewage discharge data from cities worldwide. This database is continuously updated with verified data from government sources, researchers, and citizen reports.
| City | Country | Population | Discharge Location | Daily Volume (Gal) | Treatment Level | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | India | 20.4M | Arabian Sea | 850M | Untreated | Critical | |
| Tijuana | Mexico | 1.9M | Pacific Ocean | 142M | Primary Only | High Risk | |
| Lagos | Nigeria | 14.8M | Atlantic Ocean | 620M | Untreated | Critical | |
| Barcelona | Spain | 5.6M | Mediterranean Sea | 280M | Secondary | Moderate | |
| Sydney | Australia | 5.3M | Pacific Ocean | 190M | Advanced | Low Risk |
Treatment Level Definitions
Raw sewage with no treatment
Physical removal of large solids only
Biological treatment removes organics
Removes nutrients, chemicals, pathogens
Global Sewer Outfall Photo Library
The world's first comprehensive photographic inventory of ocean sewage outfalls. From government inspection photos to underwater ROV footage, we're documenting every discharge point with visual evidence that can't be denied.
Photo Source Categories
Government Inspections
Official photos obtained via FOIA and international public records requests
NGO Field Documentation
Professional field images from environmental organizations and watchdog groups
Citizen-Uploaded Coastal Photos
Community-sourced geotagged photos from beaches, coastlines, and outfall sites
ROV Underwater Footage
Academic research and underwater robot images documenting subsurface outfalls
Satellite Plume Detection
Geotagged satellite imagery showing visible pollution plumes from space
Drone & Aerial Photography
Aerial documentation of coastal outfalls, discharge plumes, and shoreline impacts
Featured Documentation
Mumbai Outfall #7
Arabian Sea discharge point documented during 2023 municipal inspection. 120M gal/day capacity.
Barcelona Subsurface Tunnel
ROV documentation of 6km underwater outfall tunnel. Research vessel expedition 2024.
Lagos New Outfall Construction
New 2.4m diameter outfall pipeline under construction. Citizen documentation of infrastructure expansion.
Document an Outfall in Your Area
Have photos of sewage outfalls, discharge pipes, or pollution plumes? Your documentation can expose hidden pollution and hold governments accountable. All photos are geotagged and verified before being added to the library.
Ocean Outfall Transparency Map
Explore every documented sewage outfall on an interactive global map. See photos, discharge data, treatment levels, and environmental impacts for each location. Click any marker to view detailed documentation.
Interactive Map Coming Soon
We're building a fully interactive global map with real-time data visualization, photo overlays, and filtering capabilities.
Map Features:
- Geolocated outfall markers
- Photo galleries for each location
- Discharge volume heat maps
- Treatment level color coding
- Satellite plume overlays
Map Legend
For Journalists
Access verified data, photos, and satellite imagery to expose pollution stories. Download documentation packages for investigative reporting.
For Researchers
Comprehensive dataset for academic studies on ocean pollution, public health impacts, and ecosystem modeling. API access available.
For Activists
Visual evidence to pressure governments for better treatment infrastructure. Share specific outfall data in campaigns and petitions.
Submit Outfall Photos & Documentation
Have photos or videos of sewage outfalls? Your visual documentation can expose hidden pollution and create undeniable evidence for accountability.
Photo Submission Guidelines
What Makes Good Documentation:
- Clear view of outfall pipe, discharge point, or pollution plume
- GPS coordinates or clear location markers visible
- Date and time of photo (embedded in EXIF data if possible)
- Multiple angles showing context and scale
- High resolution images (minimum 1920x1080)
Safety & Legal Reminders:
- Do not trespass on private or restricted property
- Avoid direct contact with sewage or contaminated water
- Respect local laws regarding photography in public spaces
- For underwater photos: use proper diving safety protocols
- Drone operators: follow local aviation regulations
Ocean Collapse Calculator
Using comprehensive sewage discharge data, pollution rates, and marine ecosystem thresholds, we're building a model to calculate when ocean systems will reach critical failure points.
Input Parameters
Projected Results
Model Status: This calculator is currently in development. Results are preliminary estimates based on available data. Full scientific model launching Q2 2026.
Assumptions:
- Current sewage discharge: 900 billion gallons/day globally
- Annual growth rate: 3.2% (tied to population growth and urbanization)
- Ocean's estimated capacity: 1,800 billion gallons/day before critical ecosystem collapse
- Treatment improvement rate: 1.5% annually (current global average)
- Does not account for climate change, acidification, or other compounding factors
Scientific Methodology
Our calculation model integrates multiple data sources and scientific parameters:
Peer Review: Model will be submitted for peer review once sufficient data is collected. Target: Q2 2026.
Help Us Build the Database
We need researchers, activists, journalists, and concerned citizens worldwide to help document sewage discharge data. Your contribution can expose hidden pollution and drive accountability.