Background

In 2007 the JMAS had already provided access to wastewater collection services to most of the residents of Anapra. However, because there was not a wastewater treatment plant, JMAS did not allow the households to connect to the collection system, therefore, residents continued disposing the wastewater through saturated latrines and some illegal connections to the sewer system that discharged directly onto the street, creating serious health hazards to the area residents. In addition, due to the topography of the area, runoff flowed from south-to-north towards Sunland Park, NM. Since the runoff was very likely to contain untreated wastewater, addressing this environmental problem was a high priority for both Mexican and US governments.

Description

This project consisted of the the construction of the wastewater collection system, a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), and a reclaimed wastewater system. The lift station includes biological odor control measures and the WWTP consists of a secondary treatment process (activated sludge). The reclaimed wastewater system includes a distribution network for landscape irrigation purposes and conveyance to divert excess flow to the Benito Juarez reservoir.

Benefits

The project eliminated exposure to untreated wastewater in unserved areas through the construction of the wastewater collection and treatment system, contributing to the reduction of groundwater pollution and the risk of waterborne diseases.