What is the primary purpose of wastewater treatment?

The primary purpose of wastewater treatment is to remove contaminants from wastewater. This process is essential to protect public health and the environment. Wastewater, which can originate from residential, industrial, or stormwater sources, contains a variety of pollutants, including pathogens, nutrients, and organic matter that can harm ecosystems and affect water quality if released untreated.

Effective wastewater treatment involves several processes designed to eliminate or reduce harmful substances in the water before it is released back into the environment or reused. This treatment often includes physical processes such as screening and sedimentation, biological processes like activated sludge treatment, and chemical methods that involve chlorination or other disinfection techniques. By ensuring that these contaminants are adequately removed, wastewater treatment facilities help safeguard water resources for future use, promote aquatic life, and prevent health risks to communities.