Waco Regional WWTP - Major Municipal Wastewater Treatment in Waco, Texas

Waco Regional WWTP is a major municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Waco, Texas, serving a population of approximately 166,367. The plant is situated on Treatment Plant Road near the Brazos River, a key waterway in central Texas. As a large-scale facility, it plays a critical role in managing wastewater for the Waco metropolitan area. Under the U. S. Clean Water Act, the plant operates under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). For a facility serving over 100,000 people, secondary treatment is the minimum standard, with potential requirements for advanced treatment to protect sensitive water bodies. The plant's treatment processes are designed to meet these federal and state standards. The treated effluent is discharged into the Brazos River, which flows southeast through Texas to the Gulf of Mexico. The Brazos River supports diverse aquatic life and is used for recreation, irrigation, and municipal water supply downstream. Proper treatment at Waco Regional WWTP helps maintain water quality in this important river system and protects the coastal ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico.

The plant discharges into the Brazos River, which flows through central Texas and empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The Brazos River basin supports a variety of fish and wildlife, including several species of freshwater mussels and migratory birds. The river's health is vital for downstream communities and the coastal estuaries where freshwater meets the Gulf.