A method for operating a steam power plant having a water-steam circuit, according to which method the process wastewater produced is collected from the water-steam circuit, in a separated manner according to the degree of contamination thereof, in a number of partial wastewater quantities is provided. At least a first partial wastewater quantity having a first degree of contamination and at least a second partial wastewater quantity having a second degree of contamination are formed in the process. The second degree of contamination is higher than the first degree of contamination. The first partial wastewater quantity and the second partial wastewater quantity are mixed together in such a manner that a combined process wastewater is produced, which is fed to a wastewater treatment plant.