Sewage Treatment : How It Works Sewage treatment is the process of removing contaminants from wastewater. Wastewater is a combination of water and human waste that is produced by homes, businesses, and industries. It can contain a variety of pollutants, including bacteria, viruses, nutrients, and solids. Sewage treatment is important for protecting public health and the environment. It helps to prevent the spread of disease, reduce water pollution, and conserve water resources. There are three main stages of sewage treatment : primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary treatment is the first stage of sewage treatment . It removes large solids, such as grit, sand, and grease, from the wastewater. This is done by allowing the wastewater to settle in large tanks. The solids that settle to the bottom of the tanks are called sludge. The sludge is then pumped to a digester, where it is broken down by bacteria. Secondary treatment is the second stage of sewage treatment. It removes di...