What are receiving waters?

Receiving waters refer to natural bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans, that receive runoff from surface water and any discharges from wastewater treatment facilities or industrial activities. This definition highlights their role in the ecosystem as a destination for water that has been modified by human activity or by natural processes.

In the context of wastewater management, understanding receiving waters is crucial for assessing the impacts of treated and untreated discharges on the environment. These waters can serve as habitats for aquatic life and are often used for recreational purposes, which necessitates careful monitoring of their quality to prevent pollution and protect public health.

The other options do not accurately describe receiving waters. Bodies of water designed for treatment are typically engineered systems and not natural water bodies. Water sources impacted by evaporation focus on different processes, rather than the role these waters play in receiving discharges. Wastewater recycling facilities are specific operational plants designed to treat and reuse water, thus are not classified as natural receiving bodies.