Which of the following is a benefit of wastewater recycling?

The benefit of wastewater recycling that stands out is that it reduces the burden on freshwater sources. This is crucial because, as populations grow and water usage increases, freshwater supplies become strained. By recycling wastewater, communities can use treated water for various non-potable applications, like irrigation, industrial processes, and even some potable uses after further purification. This practice helps conserve freshwater resources and ensures that they can be reserved for critical needs, thereby promoting more sustainable water management.

The other options do not align with the positive impacts of wastewater recycling. Increasing the demand for water is counterproductive as it may lead to over-extraction of natural sources. Promoting algal blooms is detrimental to water quality, while decreasing soil salinity levels may not be a primary or guaranteed outcome of wastewater recycling, as the salinity levels depend heavily on the nature of the wastewater and the treatment processes it undergoes.