Sewage treatment refers to the process of removing contaminants from wastewater. This wastewater, also known as sewage, is generated from residential, commercial, and industrial sources and contains a variety of pollutants, including organic matter, nutrients, pathogens, and toxic chemicals.
To protect human health and the environment, sewage must be treated before it is released into natural waterways. The treatment process typically involves several stages:
After undergoing sewage treatment, water is significantly cleaner and safer for release into the environment. However, the level of cleanliness can vary depending on the treatment process used and the specific contaminants present in the wastewater.
Generally, tertiary treated water meets stringent water quality standards and is suitable for various uses, such as irrigation and industrial purposes. In some cases, it may even be used as a source of drinking water, provided it undergoes additional purification steps.
It is important to note that sewage treatment is not a perfect process. While it removes a significant portion of contaminants, there may still be trace amounts of certain substances remaining in the treated water. Therefore, it is always recommended to avoid direct contact with untreated or partially treated sewage.