What are the environmental impacts of a failing collection system?

A failing collection system can lead to significant environmental impacts, primarily characterized by contamination of water bodies. When wastewater is not adequately managed, it can leak into rivers, lakes, and groundwater, introducing pollutants such as pathogens, nutrients, and chemicals, which can degrade water quality. This contamination poses direct public health risks, as polluted water can cause waterborne diseases and other health issues for communities relying on these water sources.

Additionally, foul odors emanating from a failing collection system can affect the quality of life for nearby residents and impact local ecosystems. The presence of untreated or poorly managed waste can disrupt local wildlife and vegetation, leading to broader environmental issues.

The other options presented do not align with the realities of a failing collection system. Increased biodiversity in urban areas does not typically occur as a result of pollution; rather, biodiversity may decline due to habitat degradation. Enhanced water quality in nearby lakes is contrary to the expected outcomes of a failing system, which typically results in reduced water quality. Finally, the claim of fewer insects in the area overlooks the ecological role insects play and does not reflect the potential for an increase in certain pest species in compromised environments. Hence, the most accurate depiction of the consequences stemming from a failing collection system is the contamination of water bodies, public