Water Reclamation

The Wastewater Treatment Division operates and maintains the 1.95 million gallons per day (mgd) North Water Reclamation Facility (NWRF). All of the wastewater from residential and commercial customers is treated using the Integrated Film Activated Sludge (IFAS) technology. Our goal is to operate the WRF as a good neighbor, minimize odors, and return the treated effluent to the creeks while meeting or exceeding all state and federal standards.

North Water Reclamation Facility

The North Water Reclamation Facility (NWRF) opened on May 12, 2011, key features include:

1. Class B Bio Solids System
   Using a method called Lime Stabilization, the facility treats the sludge with hydrated lime (chemically similar to baking soda) in order to neutralize and reduce the pathogens present by raising pH. The process de-waters and heats the sludge simultaneously in order to reduce pathogens, and produce a dry bio-solid product which is then used in land application areas as a fertilizer for crops. The NWRF is being upgraded to a Class A biosolids production facility, which will deliver a high-quality product suitable for use in crops for human consumption. Learn more about biosolids below.
2. High Speed Turbo Blowers
   The blowers supply all of the air for the biological process of treating the wastewater and are much more energy-efficient than conventional wastewater treatment blowers. Electricity is the largest cost of these types of facilities. This equipment reduces energy consumption by up to 15% over conventional positive-displacement blowers. 
3. Outdoor Aeration Basins
   Four basins - each holds approximately 200,000 gallons of wastewater. Each basin contains millions of pieces of IFAS Media. The IFAS media give the bacteria more surface area to cling to and grow. The Town's use of IFAS media enabled us to reduce the overall footprint of the facility by at least one-third. The current plant expansion project will expand this capacity by 150%.
4. 1,000 Acre Foot Re-Use Reservoir
   The wastewater facility is capable of discharging all of its treated effluents to a 1000 acre-foot reservoir that sits adjacent to the plant.  The treated water in this reservoir is utilized to augment water rights depletions in the Town’s water portfolio as well as supplying an alternative, cost-effective, water supply for irrigation throughout the Town. 
5. Micro-Filtration Filters
   The facility utilizes a tertiary filter to further remove suspended solids, and thereby bacteria, as part of the Town’s Re-Use system.

Wastewater Division Duties

1. Perform State and Federal Water Quality Testing
2. Manage wastewater projects under the Capital Improvement Program
3. Daily operations and maintenance
4. Certified laboratory analysis
5. Grounds maintenance
6. 24/7 On-Call Operations