HENDERSON AWT Wastewater Treatment Plant, Las Vegas, Nevada

HENDERSON AWT is a major wastewater treatment facility serving the Las Vegas metropolitan area in Clark County, Nevada. With a population served of 325,000, it falls into the large agglomeration category, reflecting the rapid growth of the region. The plant is located near the Henderson Saddle Association Road, within the arid Mojave Desert climate. As a large US facility, HENDERSON AWT operates under the Clean Water Act's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, administered by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection. For plants of this scale, secondary treatment is the minimum standard, though many facilities in water-scarce regions like Nevada implement advanced treatment for water reuse. The designed capacity of 1.00 million gallons per day indicates a substantial infrastructure investment. The treated effluent from HENDERSON AWT ultimately flows into the Colorado River basin via the Las Vegas Wash, which drains into Lake Mead. Lake Mead is a critical water source for the southwestern United States, supporting municipal, agricultural, and ecological needs. The plant's operations are vital for protecting water quality in this sensitive desert watershed, where water conservation and nutrient management are key concerns.

HENDERSON AWT discharges into the Las Vegas Wash, a major urban watercourse that flows into Lake Mead on the Colorado River. Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States by volume and supports a diverse aquatic ecosystem, including endangered fish species such as the razorback sucker. The arid climate and high evaporation rates make water quality management crucial for maintaining downstream ecological health and drinking water supplies for millions of people.