human
Can you explain the differences between a septic tank and a sewage system?
assistant
A septic tank is a large underground container that collects and treats wastewater from a home or business. It is designed to filter out solids, grease, and other contaminants before releasing clean water back into the environment. The primary purpose of a septic tank is to reduce pollution in the surrounding soil and groundwater. A sewage system on the other hand is a network of pipes and pumps that transport wastewater away from buildings and treatment plants. These systems are typically used for larger communities and businesses. In these cases, the wastewater is treated at a centralized facility and then discharged into rivers, lakes, and oceans.