What is the primary purpose of wastewater treatment?

The primary purpose of wastewater treatment is to protect downstream users. This involves ensuring that the treated effluent released into rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water meets established standards for safety and quality. By adequately treating wastewater, the process mitigates the potential adverse effects on public health and the environment.

Effective treatment processes remove harmful pollutants, including pathogens, chemicals, and nutrients, thereby safeguarding water quality for agricultural, recreational, and drinking purposes downstream. In a broader context, protecting downstream users also helps maintain aquatic ecosystems and promotes sustainable water resource management, thereby contributing to overall environmental health. This is critical since untreated or poorly treated wastewater can lead to serious contamination issues, affecting the safety and availability of water for various uses downstream.