What is the primary function of a wastewater treatment plant?

The primary function of a wastewater treatment plant is to remove contaminants from wastewater. This process is essential for protecting public health and the environment by ensuring that water released back into natural bodies of water or reused in various applications meets safety and quality standards. The treatment involves several stages, including physical, biological, and chemical processes, that work together to break down organic matter, remove solids, and eliminate harmful pathogens and nutrients.

The processes not only help in clarifying the water but also in treating and stabilizing the waste products, making them less harmful. This means that after treatment, the water can be returned to the environment in a way that minimizes the risk of pollution and supports aquatic ecosystems. In contrast, increasing the volume of water available or storing stormwater does not align with the wastewater treatment plant's primary purpose, as it is primarily focused on purification rather than volume enhancement or storage. Pumping wastewater back into the sewer system would not be a function of a treatment plant; rather, it is the facility's goal to treat the wastewater before it is either discharged or reused.