What is the definition of a public sewerage system?

A public sewerage system is defined as a system that is owned and operated by a municipality or utility specifically designed to manage sewage disposal. This includes the collection, treatment, and disposal of wastewater generated by residential, commercial, and industrial sources within a community. Such systems are typically extensive, involving a network of underground pipes, lift stations, and treatment facilities that work together to ensure that sewage is managed safely and efficiently.

The focus on municipal or utility ownership emphasizes public accountability and the need to meet health and environmental standards set by governmental regulations. This is critical for ensuring that sewage is treated properly before being released back into the environment, thus preventing public health risks and pollution.

In contrast, the other options refer to systems that are not managed by public entities. Private septic tanks are individual systems that homeowners maintain, stormwater systems handle only rainwater and surface runoff, and systems maintained by homeowners are not collective or comprehensive in nature, lacking the public infrastructure and regulations governing public sewerage systems.