Which of the following water bodies could be classified as receiving waters?

Receiving waters refer to bodies of water that receive wastewater or treated effluent from treatment facilities. Lakes and rivers are typical examples of receiving waters, as they naturally receive water from surrounding areas, including stormwater runoff and discharges from wastewater treatment plants.

When wastewater is treated, it is often discharged into these water bodies where it can be further diluted and assimilated. This interaction is critical in maintaining the ecological balance and supporting various aquatic life forms. Lakes and rivers play a significant role in the water cycle, and they help in the natural treatment processes by dispersing the nutrients and pollutants present in the effluent.

The other options do not serve as receiving waters in the same way. Desalination plants process seawater to remove salt and other impurities for freshwater production but do not receive wastewater. Wetlands can act as natural filters and are crucial ecosystems, but they are not typically classified under the term "receiving waters" for wastewater treatment. Storage tanks are designed to store water or wastewater temporarily and do not function as discharge areas, therefore they cannot be classified as receiving waters.