What is the primary purpose of a wastewater collection system?

The primary purpose of a wastewater collection system is to transport and convey wastewater to treatment facilities. This system is designed to efficiently collect wastewater—comprising sewage and other waste—and move it through a network of pipes and lift stations until it reaches a treatment plant. The treatment facilities are then responsible for processing the wastewater to remove contaminants before it can be safely discharged into the environment or reused.

The function of the collection system is crucial in managing public health and environmental protection. By effectively transporting wastewater away from homes, businesses, and industries, these systems help prevent contamination of surface and groundwater resources, ensuring that the general population has access to safe drinking water and a healthy environment.

Other options, while related to water management, do not pertain to the primary function of a wastewater collection system. For instance, purifying drinking water is distinctly the role of water treatment facilities, not wastewater collection. Similarly, irrigation of agricultural lands and the treatment of stormwater runoff involve different systems and processes specifically designed for those purposes.