The Wastewater System is comprised of multiple divisions, including Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) operation, maintenance, laboratory and land application site; Storm Drains; Sewer; and Water Quality Control (WQC).

Wastewater Treatment Plant operation treats all raw sewage coming into the WWTP, with maintenance keeping pumps, valves, and equipment in working condition.

The Sewer System is comprised of numerous pipes that flow to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Amazingly, the whole system relies primarily on gravity for flow. Once sewer main lines are too deep, approximately 15 feet, a lift station pumps water to a shallow line, where the process starts again.

The Wastewater Department also operates and maintains the City’s Storm Drain collection system. The storm drainage collection system consists of 112 miles of underground storm drain lines, underground storage pipes, and 141 acres of detention ponds.

The Water Quality Control division regulates sewer and storm drain discharge from industrial companies, monitors ground water contamination from these companies as well as the treated sewage that is discharged from the WWTP, and educates the public on proper disposal of contaminates such as oil, paint, and grease.

In the monitoring of ground water contamination, environmental control officers take samples from various monitoring wells. These samples are tested by the WWTP laboratory as well as outside laboratories as part of a checks and balance. The WWTP laboratory also tests samples taken from various points of the water distribution system, as well as from contractors tying into our distribution system, to ensure our drinking water is free from contaminants.

The Land Application site grows animal food crops. Recycled water from the WWTP is used as an ecologically sound method for irrigation of these annual and perennial crops. The animal food crops are then sold to local farmers; these sales help to offset some of the WWTP operating costs.