What must be done before discharging effluent into a water body?

Before discharging effluent into a water body, it is essential that the effluent undergo appropriate treatment and meet regulatory standards. This process is critical to ensure that the water released into the environment does not harm aquatic life or degrade water quality.

Treatment of effluent typically involves a series of processes designed to remove pollutants, including organic matter, pathogens, and nutrients that could lead to issues like algal blooms in the receiving water body. Regulatory standards often set maximum allowable limits for various contaminants, ensuring that the treated water is safe for the environment and human health.

Ensuring compliance with these standards protects ecosystems and communities downstream from potential negative impacts of untreated or inadequately treated sewage. Therefore, meeting these regulatory requirements through proper treatment is a fundamental responsibility of sewage treatment workers before any discharge takes place.