What can be considered a potential source of contamination for surface water supplies?

Wastewater treatment plants represent a potential source of contamination for surface water supplies because they handle and process human waste and industrial effluents. If these facilities are not properly maintained or if there are failures in the treatment process, contaminants can be released into the environment. This includes pathogens, nutrients, and harmful chemicals that can find their way into nearby rivers, lakes, or other bodies of surface water.

Furthermore, during heavy rain events, runoff can overwhelm wastewater treatment systems, causing untreated or partially treated wastewater to be discharged directly into surface waters, increasing the risk of contamination. In contrast, natural springs and underground aquifers are generally considered clean and protected sources of water, while heavy rain events can create issues but do not directly reference a source of contamination in the same way as wastewater management technologies.