The aim of the present work was to characterise the surface water of a log yard in the wood processing industry and to evaluate the best possible method of treatment and discharge of this water. For this purpose, a series of tests was carried out for approximately half a year and the water was analysed almost daily for the parameters COD, pH, volume fraction of sedimentable substances and filterable substances. Parallel to these measurements, various comparative measurements and supporting experiments were carried out in order to obtain a comprehensive picture of the composition and behaviour of the water. For a potential future discharge of the water into the public waste water system, further parameters were recorded and evaluated using the installed measurement technology. The data obtained was assigned to defined scenarios and evaluated based on these. The data and the related research made it possible to develop a recommendation for the future treatment and disposal of the water, taking into account both legal and technical aspects.