Overview
El Centro WWTF serves approximately 40,000 residents in El Centro, California. The plant operates under U.S. EPA and state regulations, discharging treated wastewater to local waterways.
El Centro WWTF is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in El Centro, Imperial County, California. It serves a population of about 40,000 people, making it a medium-sized plant in the region. The plant is situated in the arid Colorado Desert climate, where water resources are critically managed. The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, which requires secondary treatment for municipal wastewater. California's State Water Resources Control Board enforces stringent discharge permits to protect water quality. The designed capacity is 1.00 million gallons per day, indicating the plant's scale. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which drains into the Salton Sea, a large saline lake in Southern California. The Salton Sea is an ecologically sensitive area supporting migratory birds and aquatic life. The plant's operations are crucial for maintaining water quality in this arid region.
Environmental context
El Centro WWTF discharges into the New River or Alamo River watershed, which flows into the Salton Sea. The Salton Sea is a terminal lake with high salinity and nutrient levels, making it a critical habitat for migratory birds and fish. The plant's discharge must meet strict nutrient and salinity limits to prevent further ecological degradation.
Frequently asked questions
EL CENTRO WWTF is located on North La Brucherie Road in El Centro, Imperial County, California, United States.
The plant serves approximately 40,000 residents in the city of El Centro and surrounding areas.
The treated effluent is discharged into local waterways that drain into the Salton Sea, a large saline lake in Southern California.
The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act and is regulated by the California State Water Resources Control Board through an NPDES permit.
For a plant of this size in California, secondary treatment is standard, with possible nutrient removal to protect sensitive water bodies like the Salton Sea.
Nearby plants