ELLSWORTH WWTP - Hamilton County, Iowa Wastewater Treatment Plant

ELLSWORTH WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Hamilton County, Iowa, United States. The plant serves a small population of 526 residents, reflecting its role in a rural community. It operates under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act, which governs wastewater discharges through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. The plant provides secondary treatment, a standard level required for most municipal facilities in the United States. Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids. The plant has a designed capacity of 794.93 cubic meters per day and currently discharges an average volume of 189.27 cubic meters per day. The treated effluent is discharged into local water bodies that eventually drain into the Mississippi River basin. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life and provides water resources for communities downstream. The plant's operations contribute to protecting water quality in the region.

The plant discharges into local streams that flow into the Iowa River, a tributary of the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River basin is a major ecological corridor supporting fish, migratory birds, and other wildlife. The plant's secondary treatment helps reduce nutrient and organic pollutant loads, protecting downstream aquatic habitats.