Overview
Sahuarita WWTR serves approximately 13,770 residents in Sahuarita, Arizona. The plant operates under U.S. Clean Water Act regulations, treating municipal wastewater for this growing community in Pima County.
Sahuarita WWTR is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located at 1100 East Sahuarita Road in Sahuarita, Arizona, within Pima County. The plant serves a population of about 13,770 people, reflecting the community's scale as a medium-sized agglomeration in the arid Southwest. As a U.S. facility, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting, typically administered by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. For a plant of this size, secondary treatment is the standard requirement, with potential additional nutrient controls if discharging to sensitive waters. The treated effluent likely discharges to a local wash or arroyo that drains into the Santa Cruz River, a vital waterway in the Sonoran Desert. The Santa Cruz River flows south into Mexico, supporting riparian habitats and groundwater recharge in a region where water resources are critically important for both ecology and human use.
Environmental context
The plant's discharge likely enters a local tributary of the Santa Cruz River, which flows through the Sonoran Desert and eventually into Mexico. This arid watershed supports sensitive riparian ecosystems and is crucial for groundwater recharge. The Santa Cruz River provides habitat for native fish and migratory birds, making water quality management essential for maintaining ecological health in this water-scarce region.
Frequently asked questions
Sahuarita WWTR is located at 1100 East Sahuarita Road in Sahuarita, Arizona, within Pima County, United States.
The plant serves approximately 13,770 residents in the Sahuarita area.
The treated effluent likely discharges to a local wash or arroyo that drains into the Santa Cruz River, which flows south into Mexico.
As a U.S. facility, Sahuarita WWTR operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, typically issued by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
For a plant of this scale, secondary treatment is standard under the Clean Water Act. Depending on the receiving water body's sensitivity, additional nutrient removal may be required.
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