POTWs are wastewater treatment facilities designed to treat domestic wastewaters and are usually owned by which level of government?

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Publicly owned treatment works are public utilities that provide wastewater treatment for a community. Because they serve the public, their ownership and governance typically rest with government entities that oversee local services. In practice, most POTWs are owned by state, local municipalities, or Indian tribes, with funding and accountability tied to these public authorities. The federal government’s role is regulatory and supportive, not owner. Private firms may operate a POTW under contract, but ownership remains with the public entity. Nongovernmental organizations do not usually own large-scale wastewater infrastructure for public service.