The Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is comprised of multiple divisions including WWTP Administration, Operations, Maintenance, Laboratory, Land Application, the Sewer/Storm Division, and the Water Quality Control Division (WQCD).

Wastewater Treatment Plant Administration: WWTP Administration consists of one WWTP Manager, six Supervisors, one Administrative Analyst, and one Administrative Assistant. 

Operations: Operations staff, which consist of two Supervisors and certified Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators ranging from Grades I-III, run and maintain the machinery and processes that clean wastewater to protect public health and the environment. They operate pumps and valves, collect and test wastewater samples, monitor control panels, and perform routine equipment maintenance and cleaning.

Maintenance: The WWTP Maintenance Department, which consists of one Supervisor and certified Instrumentation Technicians and Electrician/Mechanics, ensure the WWTP operates efficiently and safely by performing regular inspections, preventive maintenance, and timely repairs on equipment, tanks, and control panels.

WWTP Laboratory: The WWTP has its own ELAP certified laboratory which consists of one Supervisor and three certified Laboratory Technicians ranging from Grades II-III. The WWTP Lab analyze samples taken by WWTP Operators, Drinking Water Operators, and WQCD Environmental Compliance Officers. Their role is to monitor the treatment processes of the WWTP by testing for various contaminants, pathogens, nutrients, and chemicals to ensure that final discharge meets Federal, State, and Local regulations.

Land Application: The role of Land Application is to provide a sustainable and beneficial method for disposing of treated wastewater and sewage sludge (biosolids) by recycling them as a resource. This division consists of one Land Application Program Lead Worker and one Land Application Maintenance Worker. The Land Application System is an irrigated 680-acre ranch located behind the WWTP. Class B Bio-solids are applied as a soil amendment at conventional agronomic rates. Land Application staff spread biosolids then disc to fertilize the fields for corn, wheat, and alfalfa. Recycled water from the WWTP is used for irrigation of these annual and perennial crops.

Storm/Sewer Division: The Storm/Sewer Division consists of one Supervisor, one Sewer Lead, one Storm Lead, and certified Storm/Sewer Drain Workers ranging from Grades I-III. The City of Merced's sewer and storm lines are not a combined system. The sewer comes from residents, businesses, and industries to the WWTP, and stormwater runoff goes straight into creeks like Bear Creek and Black Rascal Creek. This team is responsible for maintaining the infrastructure that collects and transports both sanitary sewer and stormwater runoff. Staff regularly clean, inspect, and repair the lines to prevent blockages, overflows, and backups which can create a public health hazard. 

Water Quality Control Division (WQCD): The WQCD consists of one Supervisor, three certified Environmental Compliance Officers ranging from Grades I-II, and one Administrative Assistant. The WQCD permit, monitor, inspect, and sample industrial facilities to ensure their wastewater meet the requirements set forth by Federal, State, and Local regulations. WQCD provides public outreach regarding Pollution Prevention topics like Sanitary Sewer Protection and Stormwater Pollution Prevention. You may recognize their slogans; "Only Rain Down the Storm Drain!" or "Can it, Cool it, Bag it, Trash it."