Overview
Ocala WRF 3 is a municipal wastewater treatment plant serving approximately 39,750 people in Ocala, Florida. It operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act framework, with regulatory oversight from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Ocala WRF 3 is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Ocala, Marion County, Florida. The plant serves an estimated population of 39,750 residents, placing it in the medium-agglomeration category for U.S. wastewater infrastructure. Its location in central Florida, inland from the coast, influences its discharge and environmental management strategies. As a U.S. facility, Ocala WRF 3 operates under the Clean Water Act's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. For plants serving populations between 10,000 and 100,000, secondary treatment is typically required, with additional nutrient removal standards in sensitive watersheds. Regulatory compliance is ensured through state-level oversight by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into local waterways that ultimately drain into the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Johns River or the Gulf of Mexico through the Withlacoochee River. The surrounding region includes the Ocala National Forest and numerous springs, making water quality protection critical for aquatic habitats and recreational uses. The plant plays a key role in maintaining the ecological health of the area's surface waters.
Environmental context
Ocala WRF 3 discharges into the Ocklawaha River basin, a tributary of the St. Johns River, which flows northward to the Atlantic Ocean near Jacksonville. The region is characterized by karst geology with numerous springs and sinkholes, making groundwater and surface water interconnected. The plant's operations help protect downstream ecosystems, including freshwater wetlands and fish habitats, from nutrient pollution and pathogens.
Frequently asked questions
Ocala WRF 3 is located at Southwest 31st Street in Ocala, Marion County, Florida, United States.
The plant serves approximately 39,750 people, classifying it as a medium-sized municipal wastewater treatment facility.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Ocklawaha River basin, which flows into the St. Johns River and eventually the Atlantic Ocean.
As a U.S. facility, Ocala WRF 3 operates under the Clean Water Act and is regulated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection through an NPDES permit.
For plants of this size in Florida, secondary treatment is standard, with additional nutrient removal often required to protect sensitive water bodies like springs and estuaries.
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