The water now goes to a disinfection tank. It gets zapped with UV light or dosed with a tiny bit of chlorine. This kills any remaining harmful germs, like bacteria or viruses.
If chlorine is used, a dechlorination step adds a dash of sulfur dioxide to neutralize the chlorine. We don’t want to bleach the fish, do we?
What is Sewage Treatment Plant and How does It Work
Some plants also use sand filters, like a giant coffee filter, to trap any last specks of dirt. By now, the water is cleaner than most streams.