Overview
Lake Elsinore Regional WWTP serves approximately 33,500 people in Lake Elsinore, California. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act and NPDES permitting framework.
Lake Elsinore Regional WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Lake Elsinore, California, within Riverside County. Operated by the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, the plant serves a population of around 33,500 residents in the surrounding community. As a medium-sized agglomeration, the plant is subject to the US Clean Water Act and EPA NPDES permit requirements, which mandate secondary treatment as a baseline. The designed capacity of the plant is 1.00 million gallons per day, reflecting its role in managing local wastewater flows. The plant discharges treated effluent into the local watershed, which ultimately drains to the Pacific Ocean via the Santa Ana River system. The region's semi-arid climate and proximity to Lake Elsinore, a natural freshwater lake, make water quality management critical for recreational and ecological uses.
Environmental context
The plant's treated effluent enters the San Jacinto River watershed, which flows into Lake Elsinore, a natural freshwater lake that serves as a key recreational and ecological resource. From Lake Elsinore, water flows via the Santa Ana River to the Pacific Ocean. The watershed supports diverse aquatic life and is important for migratory birds, requiring careful nutrient management to prevent algal blooms.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at 31315 Chaney Street in Lake Elsinore, California, within Riverside County. It is operated by the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District.
The plant serves approximately 33,500 residents in the Lake Elsinore area, classifying it as a medium-sized municipal wastewater treatment facility.
Treated effluent from the plant is discharged into the San Jacinto River watershed, which flows into Lake Elsinore and eventually reaches the Pacific Ocean via the Santa Ana River.
The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act and is regulated through an EPA NPDES permit issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board, which sets effluent limits to protect water quality.
Under the Clean Water Act, plants of this size are required to provide at least secondary treatment. Many facilities in California also incorporate advanced treatment or disinfection to meet stringent nutrient and pathogen limits, especially when discharging to sensitive water bodies like Lake Elsinore.
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