What is the main function of sanitary sewers?

The main function of sanitary sewers is to convey wastewater and infiltration from households and businesses to a treatment facility. Sanitary sewers are specifically designed to transport wastewater, which includes sewage from toilets, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures, as well as infiltration from groundwater that may enter the sewer system. This system ensures that wastewater is efficiently moved to a treatment plant, where it can be properly treated before being released back into the environment or reused.

In contrast, the other options describe functions that are outside the scope of what sanitary sewers are designed to do. For example, stormwater drainage is typically managed by separate systems designed to handle rainfall and surface runoff, preventing flooding and contamination. Treating industrial waste usually involves specialized facilities or processes tailored to the specific contaminants present, rather than the general wastewater that sanitary sewers handle. Supplying fresh water involves water supply systems that deliver potable water to consumers, which is entirely different from the function of transporting wastewater.