Overview
ELKO WWTF serves approximately 19,950 residents in Elko, Nevada. The facility operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, which mandates secondary treatment for municipal wastewater plants of this scale.
ELKO WWTF is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Elko, Nevada, serving an estimated population of 19,950. The plant is situated in the arid Great Basin region, where water resources are scarce and treatment quality is critical for local reuse and environmental protection. As a U.S. facility, ELKO WWTF operates under the Clean Water Act's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. For a plant serving nearly 20,000 people, secondary treatment is typically required to meet effluent limits for biochemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids. The facility's treatment processes and capacity are designed to comply with state and federal regulations. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the Humboldt River basin, which flows through northeastern Nevada and terminates in the Humboldt Sink, a terminal playa. The Humboldt River is a vital water source for agriculture and wildlife in the region, supporting species such as the Lahontan cutthroat trout and migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway.
Environmental context
ELKO WWTF discharges into the Humboldt River, which flows through the Great Basin and ends at the Humboldt Sink, a terminal wetland and playa. This watershed supports a fragile desert ecosystem, including riparian habitats and species adapted to arid conditions. The river is a critical water source for irrigation and livestock, and its flow is highly variable, making effective wastewater treatment essential to maintain water quality and ecological balance.
Frequently asked questions
ELKO WWTF is located on Chukar Drive in Elko, Elko County, Nevada, United States.
ELKO WWTF serves approximately 19,950 residents in the Elko area.
ELKO WWTF discharges treated wastewater into the Humboldt River, which flows through northeastern Nevada and terminates in the Humboldt Sink.
ELKO WWTF operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act and is subject to NPDES permit requirements. For a plant serving nearly 20,000 people, secondary treatment is typically mandated to meet effluent quality standards.
Under the Clean Water Act, municipal plants serving populations over 10,000 generally require secondary treatment, which includes biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids.
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