What is the consequence of not properly treating wastewater before discharge?

The consequence of not properly treating wastewater before discharge is that it leads to the contamination of water sources and can cause significant harm to aquatic life. Untreated or inadequately treated wastewater often contains a variety of pollutants, including pathogens, nutrients, heavy metals, and organic matter, which can severely degrade the quality of receiving waters.

When these contaminants enter rivers, lakes, and oceans, they can disrupt the natural balance of aquatic ecosystems, leading to issues such as oxygen depletion, harmful algal blooms, and the death of fish and other aquatic organisms. Additionally, contaminated water can pose health risks to humans and wildlife that rely on these water sources for drinking, recreation, and habitat. Proper treatment of wastewater is essential to minimize these detrimental effects and to protect both environmental and public health.