What is a likely outcome of not managing sewage treatment plants effectively?

Not managing sewage treatment plants effectively can lead to significant environmental repercussions, specifically increasing the risk of pollution in surface water. When sewage is not treated properly, harmful substances such as pathogens, nutrients, and chemicals can be released into rivers, lakes, and streams. This pollution can result in a variety of adverse effects, including contamination of drinking water sources, harm to aquatic life, and the degradation of natural habitats.

Moreover, excess nutrients from improperly treated sewage can lead to eutrophication, which is the over-enrichment of water bodies, promoting algal blooms that deplete oxygen levels and further endanger aquatic ecosystems. Thus, ineffective management of sewage treatment not only jeopardizes water quality but also poses serious health risks to both the environment and human populations that depend on these water resources.