Overview
Portage Lake WSA serves Houghton, Michigan, treating wastewater for approximately 11,945 residents. The plant discharges into the Portage Lake system, part of the Keweenaw Peninsula watershed.
Portage Lake WSA is a wastewater treatment facility located in Houghton, Michigan, serving a population of about 11,945. The plant is situated on the Keweenaw Peninsula in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, an area known for its cold climate and historic copper mining industry. As a US facility, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The plant's treated effluent is discharged into Portage Lake, a natural lake that connects to the Keweenaw Waterway, which ultimately flows into Lake Superior. Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes and a critical freshwater resource, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing drinking water for millions.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into Portage Lake, part of the Keweenaw Waterway system that connects to Lake Superior. Lake Superior is the world's largest freshwater lake by surface area and a vital ecological resource, supporting cold-water fish species such as lake trout and whitefish. The watershed is sensitive due to historical mining impacts and the need to protect water quality for recreation and drinking water.
Frequently asked questions
Portage Lake WSA is located on Carlos Street in Houghton, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula. It serves the Houghton area and discharges into Portage Lake.
The plant serves approximately 11,945 people, making it a medium-sized facility for the region.
Treated wastewater from Portage Lake WSA is discharged into Portage Lake, which is part of the Keweenaw Waterway that flows into Lake Superior.
As a US facility, Portage Lake WSA operates under the Clean Water Act and is regulated by an NPDES permit issued by Michigan EGLE. These permits set effluent limits to protect water quality.
Plants of this size in Michigan typically employ secondary treatment, which includes biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids, meeting state and federal standards.
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