WAGON MOUND Wastewater Treatment Plant, Wagon Mound, New Mexico

The WAGON MOUND wastewater treatment plant is located in Wagon Mound, New Mexico, United States. It serves a small population of 443 residents, reflecting the rural character of the area. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard level required by the U.S. Clean Water Act for municipal wastewater facilities. Under the U.S. Clean Water Act, the plant operates under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the New Mexico Environment Department. The plant has a designed capacity of 227 cubic meters per day and currently discharges a similar volume, indicating full utilization. Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids. The treated effluent is discharged into local waterways that eventually drain into the Canadian River basin, part of the Arkansas River watershed. This region is semi-arid, and the plant plays a crucial role in protecting local water quality and supporting downstream ecosystems, including the Canadian River and its tributaries.

The plant discharges into local streams that flow into the Canadian River, a tributary of the Arkansas River, which ultimately reaches the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. The surrounding watershed is ecologically sensitive due to its semi-arid climate and supports diverse aquatic life, including native fish species. Proper treatment is essential to prevent nutrient pollution and maintain water quality in this water-scarce region.