Sharptown WWTP - Advanced Wastewater Treatment in Sharptown, Maryland

Sharptown WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located on Ferry Street in Sharptown, Wicomico County, Maryland. It serves a population of 670 and operates with advanced treatment processes to meet stringent environmental standards. The plant has a designed capacity of 643.52 million gallons per year and currently discharges 427.75 million gallons annually. As an advanced treatment facility, it goes beyond secondary treatment to remove nutrients and other pollutants, which is critical for protecting sensitive downstream waters. The treated effluent is discharged into local waterways that drain into the Nanticoke River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay is a large estuary with significant ecological importance, supporting diverse aquatic life and fisheries. Advanced treatment helps reduce nutrient loading, which is a key factor in combating eutrophication and hypoxia in the bay.

The plant discharges into the Nanticoke River watershed, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States. The bay is ecologically sensitive, supporting diverse aquatic life, including blue crabs, oysters, and migratory fish. Nutrient pollution from wastewater contributes to algal blooms and dead zones, making advanced treatment essential for bay health.