Overview
Pharr WWTP in San Juan, Texas serves approximately 46,000 people as part of the municipal wastewater infrastructure in Hidalgo County.
Pharr WWTP is a wastewater treatment facility located in San Juan, Texas, within Hidalgo County. The plant serves a population of around 46,000, placing it in the medium-agglomeration category under US regulatory frameworks. As a publicly owned treatment works (POTW), it operates under the US Clean Water Act, which requires National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for discharges into surface waters. The plant is situated inland, more than 50 kilometers from the Gulf Coast, and its treated effluent likely discharges into local waterways that drain toward the Rio Grande or the Gulf of Mexico. The facility plays a key role in protecting public health and the environment in the Lower Rio Grande Valley region.
Environmental context
The plant's discharge likely enters the Rio Grande basin, which flows into the Gulf of Mexico. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life and is an important migratory corridor for birds. The region's semi-arid climate means water quality management is critical for downstream ecosystems and agricultural water users.
Frequently asked questions
Pharr WWTP is located at 2107 South I Road in San Juan, Texas, within Hidalgo County, United States.
The plant serves approximately 46,000 people, classifying it as a medium-sized municipal wastewater treatment facility.
As an inland plant, Pharr WWTP discharges treated effluent into local waterways that drain toward the Rio Grande and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico, under an NPDES permit.
Pharr WWTP operates under the US Clean Water Act, which requires NPDES permits for wastewater discharges. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) typically issues and enforces these permits.
For medium-sized agglomerations in the US, secondary treatment is standard, often including biological processes like activated sludge. Some plants may also incorporate tertiary treatment for nutrient removal if discharging to sensitive waters.
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