What is a lift station used for in a sewage collection system?

A lift station is an essential component of a sewage collection system that is specifically designed to pump wastewater from lower elevations to higher elevations. This is necessary because gravity alone may not be sufficient to move wastewater through the collection system, especially in areas where the terrain is uneven or when wastewater needs to be transported over long distances, such as towards a treatment facility.

The lift station typically consists of a well or a pit where wastewater collects, and it is equipped with pumps that are activated when the wastewater reaches a certain level. These pumps can efficiently elevate the wastewater, ensuring proper flow and preventing backups or overflows in the sewer system. By facilitating the upward movement of wastewater, lift stations help maintain the integrity of the collection system and enable effective wastewater management.

The other choices do not accurately describe the primary function of a lift station: treating wastewater is performed at treatment plants, measuring flow rates involves different equipment like flow meters, and creating public awareness is a separate community outreach activity that is not related to the mechanics of wastewater transport.