Yah ta hay Wastewater Treatment Plant, Yah-ta-hey, New Mexico | Secondary Treatment Facility

The Yah ta hay wastewater treatment plant is located in Yah-ta-hey (Tʼáá Bííchʼį́įdii), McKinley County, New Mexico, United States. It serves a small population of about 590 residents, reflecting the rural character of the area. The plant is situated in the arid high desert of the Colorado Plateau, where water resources are scarce and treatment quality is critical for environmental protection. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard level required by the U.S. Clean Water Act for municipal wastewater facilities. Under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), plants of this scale must meet effluent limits to protect receiving waters. The plant's designed capacity is 302.83 volume units, matching its discharge volume, indicating full utilization. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the San Juan River basin, a tributary of the Colorado River. This river system supports diverse aquatic life and provides water for agriculture and communities downstream. The plant's operation helps maintain water quality in this ecologically sensitive arid region.

The plant discharges into the local watershed, which flows into the San Juan River, a major tributary of the Colorado River. The Colorado River basin is a critical water source for the southwestern United States, supporting ecosystems, agriculture, and urban centers. The arid climate and limited water resources make the protection of water quality essential for the health of downstream aquatic habitats and human uses.