In the context of wastewater management, which of the following is a primary purpose of a septic tank?

A primary purpose of a septic tank is to treat and store sewage. Septic tanks are designed to receive the wastewater from households, separating solids from liquids. The tank provides an anaerobic environment that allows bacteria to break down organic matter in the sewage, which helps to reduce the quantity of pollutants before the effluent is discharged into a drain field or leach field for further treatment in the soil. This process is crucial for proper wastewater management in areas where municipal sewage systems are not available, ensuring that wastewater is handled safely and efficiently to protect public health and the environment.