If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Mother Nature must be pleased. Nature’s system of wastewater treatment through rivers, lakes, and streams is straightforward: heavy particles settle to the bottom, while lighter particles float to the top where microorganisms feed and further break down these particles. These microorganisms grow larger and eventually settle at the bottom. Water is absorbed by the riverbed and filtered through layers of rock into the underground water supply. While this process is excellent, it is not efficient enough for our large population. What nature accomplishes in up to a year, modern science can achieve in less than a working day. Our contemporary treatment plants can process wastewater through the tertiary treatment phase in less than eight hours, utilizing the basic principles of Mother Nature.