Whittier Narrows WRP - Los Angeles County, California Wastewater Treatment Plant

Whittier Narrows WRP is a major wastewater treatment facility located in Los Angeles County, California, serving a population of over 162,000 residents. The plant is situated in the Whittier Narrows area, a natural floodplain and wildlife corridor, and operates as part of the region's extensive water reclamation infrastructure. As a large-scale treatment plant, Whittier Narrows WRP is subject to the U. S. Clean Water Act and operates under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 million gallons per day, indicating it is sized to handle substantial flows from the surrounding urban area. Treatment processes typically include primary and secondary treatment, with possible advanced treatment for water reuse. The treated effluent from Whittier Narrows WRP is discharged into the San Gabriel River, which flows southward through Los Angeles County and empties into the Pacific Ocean at Alamitos Bay. The river supports diverse aquatic life and provides habitat for migratory birds. The plant's operations are critical for protecting downstream water quality and public health in the highly urbanized Los Angeles Basin.

Whittier Narrows WRP discharges treated wastewater into the San Gabriel River, which flows through the Los Angeles Basin and ultimately reaches the Pacific Ocean. The river and its adjacent wetlands provide important habitat for native fish, birds, and other wildlife, including several sensitive species. The plant's effluent must meet stringent water quality standards to protect these ecosystems and support beneficial uses such as recreation and aquatic life.