The water pollution from POME typically starts at the discharge point of palm oil mills. Untreated POME is often directly released into nearby water bodies, such as rivers, streams, or lakes, due to the convenience and cost-saving measures. This practice introduces large volumes of pollutants into the aquatic environment.

Once released, the POME pollutants can contaminate the water bodies directly. The high organic matter content leads to an increase in Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), which depletes dissolved oxygen levels in the water. This oxygen depletion can cause the death of aquatic plants, fish, and other organisms that rely on oxygen for survival. Additionally, the suspended solids in POME can cloud the water, reducing light penetration and inhibiting photosynthesis in aquatic plants.

Furthermore, the nutrient content in POME, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, can cause eutrophication in water bodies. Eutrophication occurs when excessive nutrients stimulate the rapid growth of algae and other aquatic plants. The overgrowth of algae forms algal blooms, leading to reduced light availability and oxygen depletion in the water. Eventually, the dead algae and plants decompose, further depleting oxygen levels and creating low-oxygen zones or "dead zones" where most aquatic life cannot survive.

As POME-infected water moves within the water cycle, it can contaminate other bodies of water through various mechanisms. Surface water runoff during rainfall events can carry POME pollutants into nearby streams or rivers, expanding the area of water pollution. Additionally, POME can seep through the soil and contaminate groundwater, affecting the water table.

The contamination of the water table occurs when the untreated POME is disposed of in open lagoons or ponds. Due to the high permeability of the soil, the pollutants can leach through the ground and infiltrate the groundwater. This polluted groundwater can then flow into wells, springs, or other underground water sources, compromising the quality of drinking water supplies.

Overall, the water pollution from POME transits the water cycle by initially contaminating surface water bodies and subsequently seeping into the groundwater, ultimately affecting the overall water table. Accordingly, effective treatment and management of POME are essential to prevent pollution and protect water resources.