Lake Arthur Town of Wastewater Treatment Plant, New Mexico

The Lake Arthur Town of wastewater treatment plant is located in Lake Arthur, New Mexico, a small community in Chaves County. The facility serves a population of 436, providing essential wastewater management for the town. As a secondary treatment plant, it processes domestic wastewater to meet federal and state standards before discharge. Under the US Clean Water Act, plants of this scale are typically permitted through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), administered by the New Mexico Environment Department. The plant's designed capacity of 147.63 units aligns with the population served, ensuring adequate treatment capacity for the community. Secondary treatment involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Pecos River basin. The Pecos River flows through southeastern New Mexico and Texas, supporting agricultural irrigation and wildlife habitats. The plant's operations help protect downstream water quality in this arid region, where water resources are particularly valuable.

The plant discharges into the Pecos River watershed, a vital water source in the arid Southwest. The Pecos River flows through New Mexico and Texas, eventually joining the Rio Grande. Downstream ecosystems include riparian habitats that support migratory birds and native fish species. Protecting water quality in this basin is critical for agriculture, recreation, and biodiversity in a water-scarce region.