Overview
Walworth County MSD STP serves approximately 37,307 people in Delavan, Wisconsin. The plant operates under U.S. EPA NPDES regulations, treating municipal wastewater before discharge.
Walworth County MSD STP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located on West Walworth Avenue in Delavan, Wisconsin. Serving a population of about 37,307, the plant is part of the region's essential water infrastructure, handling wastewater from residential and commercial sources in Walworth County. As a U.S. facility of this scale, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), which requires permits that set discharge limits based on the receiving water body's characteristics. Typical secondary treatment is expected for this population tier, with potential nutrient removal if the watershed is sensitive. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into local waterways that ultimately drain to the Rock River basin and then to the Mississippi River. This downstream connection underscores the plant's role in protecting water quality in a region that supports diverse aquatic life and recreational uses, as well as contributing to the larger Mississippi River ecosystem.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Rock River watershed, which flows southward into the Mississippi River. This basin supports diverse aquatic species and is an important migratory corridor for fish and birds. The region's agricultural and urban runoff can contribute nutrient loads, making effective treatment critical to prevent eutrophication downstream.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located on West Walworth Avenue in Delavan, Wisconsin, within Walworth County.
The plant serves approximately 37,307 people in the Delavan area and surrounding parts of Walworth County.
The treated effluent is discharged into local waterways that flow into the Rock River basin, eventually reaching the Mississippi River.
As a U.S. facility, it operates under the Clean Water Act and is required to have an NPDES permit issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, setting discharge limits to protect water quality.
Plants of this scale in Wisconsin typically employ secondary treatment, often with phosphorus removal to meet state nutrient standards, especially in watersheds draining to the Mississippi River.
Nearby plants