Originally water pollution control was associated with past primary treatment and later secondary treatment. Treatment of municiple wastes has been calculated to reduce the quantity of suspended, floating, and biochemically oxygen-demanding material. The problem of what to do about organics, radionuclides, nutrients, inorganic salts and heat not affected by the early primary and secondary treatments are discussed. Today's capabilities of water renovation are outlined and promises for future water renovation made. Flow charts of water renovation systems are included and discussed with reference to costs. Lastly, the impact of advanced waste treatment on several types of municipal discharges are graphed.