Arlington County Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) - Arlington, Virginia Wastewater Treatment

The Arlington County Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) is a major wastewater treatment facility located in Arlington, Virginia, serving a population of approximately 248,647. Situated along the Potomac River, the plant plays a critical role in protecting water quality in the region. As a large agglomeration serving over 150,000 people, the plant operates under the U. S. Clean Water Act, which requires secondary treatment as a minimum standard. The facility's designed capacity is 1.00 million gallons per day, and it is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, ensuring compliance with effluent limits. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the Potomac River, a major tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay watershed is ecologically sensitive, supporting diverse aquatic life and important fisheries. The plant's operations are vital for reducing nutrient and pollutant loads to the bay, helping to mitigate eutrophication and maintain water quality.

The Arlington County WPCP discharges into the Potomac River, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States. The Chesapeake Bay ecosystem supports a wide variety of species, including blue crabs, oysters, and migratory fish. Nutrient pollution from wastewater can contribute to algal blooms and hypoxia, making advanced treatment and nutrient removal critical for the bay's health.