Which of the following is a main goal of wastewater treatment?

The main goal of wastewater treatment is to protect public health and the environment. This involves the removal of harmful contaminants from wastewater before it is released back into the environment or reused. Untreated wastewater can pose significant health risks to the community by spreading diseases and can also cause environmental damage, such as pollution of water bodies which affects aquatic life.

Effective wastewater treatment processes aim to eliminate pathogens, nutrients, and other harmful substances, ensuring that the treated water does not pose a risk to human health or the ecosystem. Treating wastewater properly helps maintain clean water sources, supports recreational activities, and protects natural habitats, thereby serving as a foundational element of public health and environmental stewardship.

While there are other values associated with wastewater treatment—like volume reduction or potential agriculture uses—these are secondary objectives. The primary focus remains on safeguarding human health and maintaining ecological integrity.