New Washington WWTP and Sewers - Crawford County, Ohio Wastewater Treatment Plant

New Washington WWTP and Sewers is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Crawford County, Ohio, United States. The plant serves a small population of approximately 987 residents, reflecting its role in a rural community. It is situated inland, more than 10 kilometers from the coast, and operates under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard level required by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for municipal wastewater facilities. Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids. The plant's designed capacity is 567.81 cubic meters per day, and it currently discharges 378.54 cubic meters per day, indicating operational capacity below design levels. The treated effluent is discharged into local waterways that ultimately drain into the Lake Erie basin via the Sandusky River or similar tributaries. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life and is an important resource for recreation and drinking water. The plant's operation helps protect downstream water quality in the Lake Erie ecosystem.

The plant discharges into local streams that flow into the Sandusky River, which drains into Lake Erie. Lake Erie is the shallowest of the Great Lakes and supports a vibrant fishery, including walleye and perch, as well as migratory birds. The watershed is primarily agricultural, so nutrient management is critical to prevent algal blooms in the lake. The plant's secondary treatment helps reduce organic pollutants and nutrients, contributing to the health of this sensitive freshwater ecosystem.