Sewage treatment is a complex process that removes contaminants from wastewater to protect public health and the environment. Untreated sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pollutants that can cause disease and contaminate water sources. This multi-stage process is designed to remove these contaminants and produce treated wastewater that is safe for discharge into the environment.
The typical sewage treatment process involves several stages:
Treated wastewater meets strict standards set by environmental regulations. It is typically safe for discharge into waterways or for use in irrigation. However, some contaminants may remain even after treatment, making it unsuitable for drinking or other sensitive uses.
The effectiveness of sewage treatment varies depending on the type of treatment plant and the influent wastewater quality. Advanced treatment technologies, such as membrane filtration, can remove additional contaminants, producing water suitable for reuse or replenishing groundwater aquifers.