Chetek STP Wastewater Treatment Plant - Chetek, Wisconsin

Chetek STP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Chetek, Barron County, Wisconsin. The facility serves a population of approximately 4,217 residents, classifying it as a small to medium agglomeration under US EPA guidelines. The plant is situated inland, away from coastal areas, and its operations are integral to the local community's sanitation infrastructure. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard level required by the US Clean Water Act for municipal wastewater facilities. With a designed capacity of 1,396.81 volume units and a current discharge volume of 984.21 units, the plant operates below its maximum capacity, indicating room for future growth. Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids. The treated effluent is discharged into nearby surface waters, likely tributaries of the Red Cedar River or the Chippewa River system, which ultimately drain into the Mississippi River. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life and is important for regional water quality. The plant's compliance with federal and state regulations helps protect downstream ecosystems and recreational uses.

Chetek STP discharges into local streams that flow into the Red Cedar River, a tributary of the Chippewa River, which joins the Mississippi River. This watershed supports diverse aquatic species and is used for recreation and fishing. The plant's secondary treatment reduces nutrient loads, helping to prevent eutrophication in downstream water bodies.