Overview
Des Moines Metro WRA WWTP serves approximately 662,000 people in Des Moines, Iowa. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the Des Moines River, a tributary of the Mississippi River.
The Des Moines Metro WRA WWTP is a major wastewater treatment facility serving the Des Moines metropolitan area in Iowa, United States. With a population served of over 662,000, it is one of the largest plants in the state, handling municipal wastewater from the capital city and surrounding communities. As a large-scale facility, the plant operates under the U. S. Clean Water Act, which requires National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for all discharges. For plants of this size, advanced treatment is typically expected to meet stringent effluent limits, especially for nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which are regulated to protect downstream water quality. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the Des Moines River, which flows southeast to join the Mississippi River near Keokuk, Iowa. The Mississippi River is a major ecological corridor supporting diverse aquatic life and migratory birds. The plant's discharge must comply with water quality standards to prevent eutrophication and protect downstream ecosystems.
Environmental context
The Des Moines River flows through central Iowa and joins the Mississippi River, which ultimately drains into the Gulf of Mexico. The watershed supports diverse aquatic habitats and is important for regional biodiversity. Nutrient loading from wastewater discharges can contribute to hypoxia in the Gulf, making advanced treatment critical for this facility.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located on Vandalia Road in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, United States.
The plant serves approximately 662,376 people, making it one of the largest wastewater treatment facilities in Iowa.
The treated effluent is discharged into the Des Moines River, which flows into the Mississippi River and eventually reaches the Gulf of Mexico.
As a U. S. facility, it operates under the Clean Water Act and must comply with an NPDES permit issued by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources or the EPA.
Large plants like this typically employ advanced secondary treatment with nutrient removal to meet strict effluent limits for nitrogen and phosphorus, protecting downstream water quality.
Nearby plants