What is a potential result of not addressing aging infrastructure in sewage treatment facilities?

Focusing on the significance of addressing aging infrastructure in sewage treatment facilities reveals that neglecting this aspect can lead to higher maintenance needs and inefficiencies. As infrastructure ages, it is more prone to failures, leaks, and breakages, which can result in an increased frequency of repairs and more significant operational challenges. This situation can strain resources, requiring facilities to allocate more time and money to maintenance activities rather than investing in improvements or technological upgrades that could enhance efficiency.

Additionally, aging systems may not operate optimally, resulting in reduced effectiveness in sewage treatment processes. This inefficiency can lead to environmental concerns due to inadequate treatment, potential violations of discharge permits, and subsequent regulatory penalties. In summary, failure to invest in the upkeep or replacement of infrastructure can deteriorate the operational capacity of sewage treatment facilities, manifesting as higher maintenance demands and overall inefficiency in the system.