Overview
Cottonwood WWTF serves approximately 12,365 residents in Cottonwood, Arizona. The plant operates under U.S. Clean Water Act regulations, ensuring treated effluent meets state and federal standards before discharge.
Cottonwood WWTF is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located at 1351 West Mingus Avenue in Cottonwood, Arizona, serving a population of about 12,365. The plant is part of the town's infrastructure managed by local authorities, situated in Yavapai County within the arid southwestern United States. As a medium-sized facility, Cottonwood WWTF is subject to the U.S. Clean Water Act and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting. The facility's design capacity and operational status are not publicly documented, but it continues to serve the community's wastewater needs. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Verde River, a tributary of the Salt River and part of the Colorado River basin. This arid region relies on careful water management to protect downstream ecosystems, including riparian habitats and species such as the southwestern willow flycatcher. The Verde River supports diverse aquatic life and is an important resource for agriculture and recreation in central Arizona.
Environmental context
Cottonwood WWTF discharges into the Verde River watershed, which flows into the Salt River and then the Gila River, eventually reaching the Colorado River. The Verde River is a vital water source in the arid Southwest, supporting riparian ecosystems, migratory birds, and fish species. Downstream waters are used for irrigation and municipal supply, making effluent quality critical for maintaining ecological balance and water availability.
Frequently asked questions
Cottonwood WWTF is located at 1351 West Mingus Avenue in Cottonwood, Arizona, United States.
The plant serves approximately 12,365 residents in the Cottonwood area.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the local watershed, which flows into the Verde River, a tributary of the Salt River and part of the Colorado River basin.
As a U.S. facility, Cottonwood WWTF operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
Plants of this size typically employ secondary treatment processes, such as activated sludge or trickling filters, to meet EPA effluent guidelines for biochemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids.
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