What is a common consequence of inadequate wastewater treatment?

Inadequate wastewater treatment can lead to the contamination of drinking water sources, which poses significant health risks to the population. When wastewater is not treated properly, it can introduce pathogens, harmful chemicals, and various pollutants into nearby water sources, such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater. This contamination can result in waterborne diseases, affect the ecosystem, and compromise the safety of drinking water for communities that rely on these sources.

While other options may seem beneficial, they do not accurately represent the consequences of inadequate wastewater treatment. For instance, increased agricultural productivity typically requires clean and safe water for irrigation, which is jeopardized by contaminated sources. Improvement of local water quality is fundamentally opposed to the effects of inadequate treatment, as it generally leads to degradation rather than enhancement. Similarly, enhanced aesthetics of water bodies can only occur if the water is clean; pollution from untreated wastewater will detract from the visual appeal and overall health of water environments. Thus, the option regarding contamination of drinking water sources is the most appropriate consequence of inadequate wastewater treatment.