Overview
Temecula Valley Regional WRF serves over 100,000 people in Lake Elsinore, California. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, with NPDES permits regulating its discharge to protect local waterways.
Temecula Valley Regional WRF is a major wastewater treatment facility located in Lake Elsinore, California, serving a population of approximately 103,000. The plant is part of the region's water infrastructure, managed to meet the demands of a growing community in Riverside County. As a large agglomeration serving over 100,000 people, the plant is expected to provide at least secondary treatment under the US Clean Water Act. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board govern its discharge limits and monitoring requirements, ensuring compliance with federal and state water quality standards. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains to the Pacific Ocean via the Santa Ana River system. This water body supports diverse aquatic life and is an important resource for recreation and water supply in Southern California. The plant's operations are critical for protecting downstream ecosystems and public health.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Santa Ana River watershed, which flows through Riverside and Orange Counties before reaching the Pacific Ocean near Huntington Beach. This river system supports a variety of fish and bird species and is a key water source for the region. The plant's effluent must meet stringent nutrient and pollutant limits to prevent algal blooms and protect aquatic habitats in the river and coastal zone.
Frequently asked questions
Temecula Valley Regional WRF is located at 523 Chaney Street in Lake Elsinore, California, within Riverside County.
The plant serves approximately 103,092 people in the Lake Elsinore and Temecula Valley areas.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Santa Ana River watershed, which flows to the Pacific Ocean. Discharge is regulated under an NPDES permit issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, which requires NPDES permits for all discharges. For a plant serving over 100,000 people, secondary treatment is mandatory, and additional nutrient limits may apply to protect sensitive water bodies.
Plants of this scale typically provide secondary treatment (biological treatment) as a minimum. Many also incorporate tertiary treatment for nutrient removal, especially if discharging to nutrient-sensitive waters like the Santa Ana River.
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