Ventura Water Reclamation Facility, San Buenaventura (Ventura), California | Wastewater Treatment Plant

The Ventura Water Reclamation Facility is a major municipal wastewater treatment plant located in San Buenaventura (Ventura), California, serving a population of approximately 107,166. Situated in Ventura County, the plant is part of the region's critical water infrastructure, managing wastewater from residential and commercial sources in the coastal city. As a US facility serving over 100,000 people, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board. For this population tier, secondary treatment is the minimum standard, with tertiary treatment often required for discharge to sensitive waters. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 million gallons per day, reflecting its role in the local wastewater system. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the Santa Clara River, which flows westward through Ventura County and empties into the Pacific Ocean at the Ventura River mouth. This discharge supports the river's base flow and affects downstream aquatic habitats, including estuarine and coastal ecosystems. The facility plays a key role in protecting the Santa Clara River's water quality and the marine environment of the Southern California Bight.

The plant discharges into the Santa Clara River, which flows approximately 83 miles through Ventura County before reaching the Pacific Ocean near the city of Ventura. The river supports diverse aquatic life, including endangered species such as the Southern California steelhead trout, and its estuary provides critical habitat for migratory birds. The discharge contributes to the river's flow, especially during dry periods, and must meet stringent water quality standards to protect downstream ecosystems and coastal waters.