Which of the following is a primary goal of a POTW?

A primary goal of a Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) is to return treated water to the environment safely. This aspect is crucial because POTWs are designed to manage and treat wastewater, ensuring that it meets established environmental standards before being discharged back into natural water bodies. The treated water might be released into rivers, lakes, or oceans, and it is essential that the treatment process removes harmful pollutants to protect aquatic life and maintain ecosystem health.

This goal aligns with environmental regulations that aim to prevent pollution and promote sustainable practices. By ensuring that only safe, treated water is reintroduced into the environment, POTWs play a vital role in safeguarding public health and protecting natural water resources.

The other options, such as water filtration for drinking purposes, focus on different aspects of water management and do not reflect the specific objectives of POTWs. Similarly, while reducing sewage treatment costs and maximizing water use efficiency are important considerations, they do not represent the primary mission of a POTW, which fundamentally centers on the safe treatment and discharge of wastewater.