Final answer:
It is generally false that untreated sewage or wastewater can be legally discharged onto the ground surface; wastewater treatment is essential for protecting public health and the environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to whether it is permitted to discharge untreated sewage or wastewater on the ground surface is generally false. Globally, some wastewater is indeed discharged without sufficient treatment into natural water bodies, but this is typically against environmental regulations and public health standards. The aim of wastewater treatment is to provide protection to the environment and public health by removing contaminants and reducing the potential harm of wastewater before it is released into the environment.
Untreated sewage can be a major source of water pollution, leading to the spread of pathogenic microorganisms and waterborne diseases. Therefore, it is critical that sewage goes through the proper treatment phases primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment before being discharged. This treatment process results in effluent that may be safely returned to local rivers or even used for irrigation and landscaping under specific conditions, minimizing the potential environmental harm.