Which of the following is a primary function of a wastewater treatment facility?

The primary function of a wastewater treatment facility is to remove contaminants from wastewater. This process is essential for protecting public health and the environment. Wastewater often contains harmful substances, including pathogens, organic matter, chemicals, and solids, which must be effectively treated before the water can be safely discharged back into natural water bodies or reused.

Treatment facilities typically employ a series of physical, biological, and chemical processes to reduce pollutants to acceptable levels. These methods ensure that the effluent released does not significantly harm aquatic ecosystems or pose risks to human health. For example, biological treatment processes utilize microorganisms to break down organic materials, while physical processes like sedimentation help separate solid waste from the liquid.

In contrast, while transporting wastewater to lakes, storing stormwater, and monitoring air quality are important aspects of overall water resource management and environmental protection, they do not represent the core function of a wastewater treatment facility, which is specifically focused on the removal of contaminants.