Crystal Lake WWTP - Secondary Treatment Facility in Crystal Lake, Iowa

Crystal Lake WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located at 498 3rd Street East in Crystal Lake, Hancock County, Iowa. The facility serves a small population of 325 residents, reflecting the rural character of the community. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard biological treatment process required by the U.S. Clean Water Act for municipal wastewater. Its designed capacity is 113.56 million gallons per year, matching the reported discharge volume, indicating full utilization. As a small facility in the U.S., it operates under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, ensuring compliance with effluent limits. The treated effluent is discharged to local surface waters, which ultimately drain into the Mississippi River Basin. This contributes to the overall water quality of the region, supporting aquatic life and downstream ecosystems. The plant plays a key role in protecting local streams and groundwater from untreated sewage.

The plant discharges into local waterways that are part of the Upper Mississippi River Basin. This region supports diverse aquatic habitats and is important for migratory birds and fish species. The treated effluent helps maintain water quality in downstream rivers and lakes, which are used for recreation and as drinking water sources.