Eagle River WSD Wastewater Treatment Plant, Vail, Colorado

Eagle River WSD is a wastewater treatment facility located in Vail, Eagle County, Colorado, serving a population of approximately 24,000. The plant is situated along Gore Valley Trail and plays a key role in managing municipal wastewater for this mountain resort community. As a US facility, Eagle River WSD operates under the Clean Water Act, which requires National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for all discharges. For a plant serving a population of this size, secondary treatment is typically mandated, with additional nutrient removal if the receiving water body is sensitive. The treated effluent is discharged into the Eagle River, which flows into the Colorado River, a critical water source for the southwestern United States. The plant's operations help protect water quality in this important watershed, supporting aquatic life and downstream uses including agriculture and recreation.

The plant discharges into the Eagle River, a tributary of the Colorado River. The Colorado River basin supports diverse ecosystems and provides water for millions of people across multiple states. Protecting water quality in this headwater region is essential for maintaining downstream ecological health and meeting regulatory standards for nutrient and pollutant loads.