Overview
Moreno Valley Regional WRF in Lake Elsinore, California serves nearly 200,000 people. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, with NPDES permits regulating its discharge to local waterways.
Moreno Valley Regional WRF is a major wastewater treatment facility located in Lake Elsinore, California, serving a population of approximately 196,495. The plant is situated in Riverside County, within the Santa Ana River watershed, and plays a critical role in managing wastewater for the growing Moreno Valley area. As a large-scale treatment plant in the United States, it operates under the regulatory framework of the Clean Water Act, administered by the US EPA and the California State Water Resources Control Board. Facilities of this size are typically required to meet secondary treatment standards and obtain National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, which set effluent limits to protect water quality. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the local drainage system, ultimately contributing to the Santa Ana River, which flows through Southern California to the Pacific Ocean. The Santa Ana River supports diverse aquatic habitats and is an important water resource for the region, making effective wastewater treatment essential for environmental and public health.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Santa Ana River watershed, which drains through Riverside and Orange Counties before reaching the Pacific Ocean at Huntington Beach. The river supports riparian habitats and is a critical water source for Southern California. Downstream ecosystems include wetlands and estuaries that provide habitat for migratory birds and fish species, requiring careful management of nutrient and pollutant loads.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at 523 Chaney Street in Lake Elsinore, California, within Riverside County. It serves the Moreno Valley area and surrounding communities.
The plant serves approximately 196,495 people, classifying it as a large-scale municipal wastewater treatment facility.
Treated effluent from the plant is discharged into the local drainage system, which flows into the Santa Ana River. The river ultimately reaches the Pacific Ocean at Huntington Beach.
The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, enforced by the US EPA and the California State Water Resources Control Board. It requires an NPDES permit that sets effluent limits to protect water quality.
Plants of this scale in California typically provide at least secondary treatment, and often advanced treatment to meet stringent nutrient limits, especially if discharging to sensitive water bodies like the Santa Ana River.
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