Background

Currently, JMAS estimates that 97 percent of the population has running water and 88 percent receive sewage collection services; however, wastewater treatment is estimated at only 63%.

In 2000, the City inaugurated its first two wastewater treatment plants: the North Plant, with a treatment capacity of 57 million gallons a day (mgd) and the South Plant, with a capacity of 22.8 mgd. However, the South Plant currently receives 41.1 mgd of wastewater flows, so approximately 18.3 mgd are bypassed and discharged into an agricultural canal without treatment. The untreated sewage mixes with the effluent produced by the plant, reducing its quality and the effectiveness of the treatment plant.

The South Plant currently uses an advanced primary treatment process that produces an effluent that generates unpleasant odors in the area adjacent to the wastewater treatment facility. The low quality of the effluent also makes it unsafe for reuse in urban applications.

To address the current treatment needs of the south side of the city, JMAS is proposing a project to expand and upgrade the South Plant.

Description

Under this project the treatment capacity of the South Plant will be doubled from 22.8 mgd to 45.6 mgd, and the treatment process will be upgraded from advanced primary to secondary treatment. The higherquality effluent produced by this system will eliminate offensive odors almost entirely and may be reused for a broader range of urban
applications.

Benefits

This project will reduce environmental and health hazards associated with untreated wastewater discharges, thus providing a cleaner healthier environment for local residents on both sides of the Rio Grande. Specifically, an estimated 18.3 mgd of wastewater will be treated prior to being discharged into the environment. In addition, by upgrading the
treatment process, unpleasant odors will be virtually eliminated, and the effluent can be reused for urban and agricultural purposes, freeing up available drinking water for human consumption in an area prone to drought and water shortages.