Lawrence Kaw River WWTP, Lawrence

Overview

Lawrence Kaw River WWTP serves approximately 115,000 residents in Lawrence, Kansas. The plant discharges into the Kansas River, a tributary of the Missouri River system.

The Lawrence Kaw River WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Lawrence, Kansas, serving a population of around 114,892. Situated in Douglas County, the plant is part of the city's infrastructure for managing wastewater from residential and commercial sources. As a facility serving over 100,000 people, it falls under the U. S. EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program, which sets effluent limits to protect water quality. The plant's treatment processes are designed to meet secondary treatment standards as required by the Clean Water Act for municipal facilities of this scale. The plant discharges treated effluent into the Kansas River, which flows eastward to join the Missouri River near Kansas City. The Missouri River then continues to the Mississippi River, ultimately draining into the Gulf of Mexico. The plant's operations are critical for maintaining water quality in the Kansas River watershed, which supports aquatic life and recreational uses.

Environmental context

The plant's discharge enters the Kansas River, a major tributary of the Missouri River system. The Kansas River watershed drains much of northeastern Kansas and supports diverse aquatic habitats, including fish species such as channel catfish and walleye. Downstream, the Missouri River provides drinking water for millions and is an important migratory corridor for birds. Proper treatment helps prevent nutrient pollution and protects these downstream ecosystems.

Frequently asked questions

The plant is located at 1189 East 8th Street in Lawrence, Kansas, within Douglas County.

The plant serves approximately 114,892 residents in the city of Lawrence and surrounding areas.

The plant discharges treated wastewater into the Kansas River, which flows into the Missouri River and eventually the Mississippi River.

The plant operates under the U. S. Clean Water Act and is subject to an EPA NPDES permit, which sets limits on pollutants to protect water quality in the Kansas River.

Under the Clean Water Act, municipal plants of this size are required to provide at least secondary treatment, which removes about 85% of organic matter and suspended solids.