Quality control is primarily aimed at preventing which of the following outcomes?

Quality control in wastewater management is primarily focused on ensuring that processes and outputs meet specific standards to prevent operational inefficiencies and regulatory fines. By implementing effective quality control measures, facilities can maintain compliance with environmental regulations set forth by organizations such as the EPA. This compliance is crucial, as failing to meet these standards can lead to financial penalties and operational disruptions.

Additionally, strong quality control practices help in identifying potential issues before they escalate, allowing for efficient operation and minimizing the risk of system failures that can result in undesirable environmental impacts or health risks. This proactive approach not only protects the facility from fines but also enhances its overall operational efficiency and effectiveness.

In contrast, while increased water purification costs, employee satisfaction surveys, and facility expansion woes may be important considerations in a wastewater facility's management, they are not the primary focus of quality control efforts aimed at safeguarding regulatory compliance and operational robustness. Quality control is fundamentally about maintaining the integrity and efficiency of treatment processes to avoid negative outcomes directly linked to compliance and operational performance.