Carson Lagoon Wastewater Treatment Plant, Carson, North Dakota

Carson Lagoon is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Carson, Grant County, North Dakota. The facility serves a small population of approximately 293 residents, reflecting the rural character of the region. As a lagoon-based system, it provides secondary treatment for the community's wastewater. The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, which requires secondary treatment for municipal wastewater discharges. For small communities like Carson, lagoon systems are a common and cost-effective treatment approach, meeting the national standards for biochemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids. The plant's designed capacity matches its current discharge volume of 113.56 units, indicating stable operation. The treated effluent is discharged to local water bodies within the Missouri River basin. The Missouri River system supports diverse aquatic life and provides water for agriculture and recreation in the region. Proper treatment at Carson Lagoon helps protect downstream water quality in this semi-arid landscape.

The plant discharges into local waterways that are part of the Missouri River watershed. The Missouri River flows through the Great Plains and eventually joins the Mississippi River, draining into the Gulf of Mexico. This region supports a variety of fish species and migratory birds, making water quality management important for ecological health.