Southern California wastewater discharges have continued to increase in terms of the gallons of effluent released, however the amount of sewage components has been reduced because

a. people are eating less greasy foods
b. harmful materials are kept out of the system at their sources
c. waste water treatment levels have increased
d. less people live there now due to earthquakes
e. b and c above

I think it's e?

That seems to be right.

To determine the correct answer, let's analyze each option:

a. People are eating less greasy foods: This option doesn't directly address the reduction in sewage components. While changes in diet can have an impact on wastewater discharges, it doesn't specifically address the reduction in sewage components.

b. Harmful materials are kept out of the system at their sources: This option seems plausible. If efforts are made to prevent harmful materials from entering the wastewater system, it can help reduce the amount of sewage components in the effluent.

c. Wastewater treatment levels have increased: This option also seems likely. If the level of wastewater treatment has increased, it implies that more advanced processes are being employed to remove sewage components from the effluent.

d. Less people live there now due to earthquakes: This option seems unlikely to directly contribute to a decrease in sewage components. While population changes can indirectly affect wastewater discharges, it doesn't directly address the reduction in sewage components.

e. Both option (b) and (c) above: This option considers both the prevention of harmful materials from entering the system and increased wastewater treatment levels. This combination of efforts can effectively reduce the amount of sewage components in the wastewater discharges.

Based on the analysis, option (e) seems to be the most accurate answer. The reduction in sewage components in Southern California wastewater discharges is likely due to a combination of efforts, including keeping harmful materials out of the system at their sources and increasing wastewater treatment levels.