Wastewater treatment plants, or publicly owned treatment works (POTWs), treat domestic and industrial sewage to levels that ensure public health and the biological integrity of the waters that receive discharges from these facilities. The end product is highly treated water discharged to water bodies and biosolids, both of which must meet stringent federal standards.

Reproduced courtesy from the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies (AMSA) - www.amsa-cleanwater.org. The Cost of Clean is also available on AMSA's web site or by contacting AMSA's National Office at (202) 833-AMSA.