Wastewater from the entire building flows into a holding tank where solids settle, like in a septic tank.

整座大楼的废水流进一个蓄水池。就像在化粪池里一样，固体被沉淀。

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Pathogens such as bacteria and viruses are widely spread in septic tanks, sewage sludge, wastewater and other sources.

细菌和病毒等致病微生物广泛存在于化粪池、污水污泥、废水等源头。

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Levels of phosphates in fresh waterways can be much higher than normal because of contamination from municipal and domestic wastewater, whether you're hooked up to a sewer or have a septic system, says Helen Suh MacIntosh, an associate professor in environmental health at Harvard University.

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