CWEA Maintenance Technologist Practice Test 2026 – Complete Exam Prep

The purpose of sewage bypassing during a storm is primarily to prevent system overload and reduce the risk of system failure. When heavy rainfall occurs, sewer systems can become inundated with excess water due to inflow and infiltration, potentially leading to overflows, backups, and other failures. By allowing some sewage to bypass treatment facilities, the system can manage high flow rates more effectively, protecting both infrastructure and the environment. This process helps maintain operational efficiency during extreme weather events and reduces the risk of untreated sewage being released into the environment.

The other options relate to different aspects of sewage management but do not accurately reflect the primary intent behind bypassing during storms. For instance, increasing system pressure is not a goal of bypassing, and storing sewage for future treatment is not feasible during heavy rain events. Additionally, while improving the quality of treated water is always a goal in wastewater treatment, bypassing typically does not contribute to this aim directly during storm conditions.