What is the main goal of sewage treatment?

The main goal of sewage treatment is to purify sewage before releasing it into the environment. This process is essential for protecting public health and the environment. By treating sewage, harmful pathogens, toxins, and pollutants are removed or significantly reduced, thus minimizing the risk of waterborne diseases and environmental contamination. Treated water can be safely returned to water bodies, contributing to the water cycle without harming ecosystems or human populations.

While minimizing water usage and creating usable by-products are important considerations in some contexts, they are not the primary objective of sewage treatment. Increasing sewage volume contradicts the basic principles of waste management, as efficient treatment aims to reduce the impact of waste rather than amplify its presence.