Desert Lake WWTF - Secondary Treatment Plant in Plumas County, California

Desert Lake WWTF is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Plumas County, California, serving a population of approximately 1,405 residents. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act, which requires secondary treatment for municipal discharges to protect water quality. The plant provides secondary treatment, a standard biological process that removes organic matter and suspended solids. Its designed capacity is 832.79 units, with an average daily discharge of 416.40 units, indicating operational headroom. As a facility in California, it is subject to state-level NPDES permits issued by the California Water Resources Control Board, ensuring compliance with effluent limits. The treated effluent is discharged into a local water body within the Sierra Nevada watershed, which ultimately drains into the Sacramento River system and then to the Pacific Ocean. The plant plays a key role in protecting downstream aquatic ecosystems and maintaining water quality in this mountainous region.

The plant discharges into a local water body within the Sierra Nevada mountain range, part of the larger Sacramento River basin. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life, including trout and other cold-water species, and provides critical habitat for migratory birds. The treated effluent contributes to base flow in streams, which is vital for maintaining ecological health during dry summer months.