St Joseph County RWSD Wastewater Treatment Plant, Saint Joseph County, Indiana

St Joseph County RWSD is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Saint Joseph County, Indiana, United States. The plant serves a small population of 283 residents, reflecting its role in a rural or suburban setting within the county. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard level required under the US Clean Water Act for municipal wastewater. Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids. The plant's discharge volume of 136.28 and designed capacity of 136.27 indicate it operates near full capacity. The treated effluent is discharged into local waterways that ultimately drain into the St. Joseph River, a tributary of the Maumee River, which flows into Lake Erie. This places the plant within the Great Lakes Basin, a region of significant ecological importance. The plant's operations are subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, ensuring compliance with water quality standards.

The plant discharges into the St. Joseph River watershed, which flows into the Maumee River and then into Lake Erie. Lake Erie is a vital freshwater resource supporting diverse aquatic life, including fish species such as walleye and perch. The watershed is also important for migratory birds and provides drinking water for millions. The plant's secondary treatment helps protect this downstream ecosystem from nutrient pollution and pathogens.