Wastewater treatment is the process of removing contaminants from sewage and industrial wastewater to make it safe for release into the environment. This process typically involves several stages, including screening, sedimentation, and filtration, which help to separate solids and harmful substances from the water. After the initial treatment, the water undergoes further purification, often using biological processes where microorganisms break down remaining pollutants. The treated water can then be safely returned to rivers, lakes, or even reused for irrigation, helping to protect our ecosystems and conserve valuable water resources.