DELAWARE WWT Wastewater Treatment Plant, Nowata County, Oklahoma

DELAWARE WWT is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Nowata County, Oklahoma, United States. It serves a small population of 456 residents, reflecting its role in a rural community. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act, which governs wastewater discharges through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. The plant provides secondary treatment, a standard biological process that removes organic matter and suspended solids. With an annual discharge volume of 151.42 megaliters and a designed capacity of 189.27 megaliters, the facility operates below its full capacity, indicating room for future growth. Secondary treatment is typical for small communities in the region. The treated effluent is discharged into local waterways, ultimately contributing to the Verdigris River basin, which flows into the Arkansas River and then the Mississippi River. This drainage network supports diverse aquatic life and provides water for agricultural and recreational uses downstream. The plant's location inland, over 50 km from the coast, reduces direct marine impact.

The plant discharges into the Verdigris River basin, part of the larger Arkansas-Mississippi River system. This watershed supports a variety of fish and wildlife, including migratory birds along the Central Flyway. The receiving waters are used for irrigation and recreation, making treatment quality important for maintaining ecological health and human uses.