Overview
Mercedes WWTP serves the city of Mercedes, Texas, treating wastewater for approximately 12,700 residents. The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act's NPDES program, ensuring compliance with federal discharge standards.
Mercedes WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Mercedes, Texas, within Hidalgo County. Serving a population of about 12,700, the plant is part of the region's essential water infrastructure, handling domestic wastewater from the community. As a U.S. facility, the plant operates under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, established by the Clean Water Act. This regulatory framework sets discharge limits and monitoring requirements to protect water quality. The treated effluent is discharged into local waterways that ultimately drain into the Rio Grande and then to the Gulf of Mexico. The plant plays a key role in safeguarding the downstream environment, including sensitive aquatic habitats in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, an important region for biodiversity and migratory birds.
Environmental context
The plant's discharge enters the Rio Grande basin, which flows into the Gulf of Mexico. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life and is a critical corridor for migratory birds. The region's semi-arid climate makes water quality management essential for both ecological health and agricultural use downstream.
Frequently asked questions
Mercedes WWTP is located at Mile 8 North Road in Mercedes, Hidalgo County, Texas, United States.
The plant serves approximately 12,700 residents in the city of Mercedes and surrounding areas.
Treated effluent is discharged into local waterways that flow into the Rio Grande, which ultimately reaches the Gulf of Mexico.
As a U.S. facility, Mercedes WWTP operates under the Clean Water Act's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), which sets discharge limits and monitoring requirements.
For a plant of this size, secondary treatment is typically required under the Clean Water Act, which removes at least 85% of organic matter and suspended solids.
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