Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW)

A Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) is a government-managed facility that treats wastewater from homes, businesses, and industries to remove pollutants before releasing it back into the environment. These treatment plants use a series of physical, chemical, and biological processes to clean sewage, ensuring it meets safety standards and protects water quality. POTWs play a vital role in maintaining public health and environmental integrity by preventing untreated wastewater from contaminating rivers, lakes, and groundwater. They operate under regulatory guidelines to safely manage and treat wastewater collected through a network of sewer systems.