Where does the dirty water go when it goes down the drain? If you live or work in the city of Las Vegas, that water goes to our Water Pollution Control Facility.
When dirty water arrives at the plant, the treatment process starts with removing solids such as rags, toys, trash and other large items that are captured in large perforated screens. The dark and murky water then moves to large sedimentation basins which promote settling and removal of particles still suspended in the water.
The next step is to remove the microscopic-sized organic material and pathogens in the water. Large aeration basins that look like large Jacuzzis provide the ideal oxygenated environments for microorganisms to convert ammonia nitrogen to nitrate nitrogen, and to support the removal of phosphorus, organic material, ammonia and nitrates.
To ensure effective removal of any harmful pathogens that may have slipped past the earlier treatment processes, the water is disinfected by adding chlorine as the water flows through a lazy river style channel.
Finally, the water is dechlorinated to remove any residual chlorine to ensure the water that is discharged to the Las Vegas Wash and beyond to Lake Mead is safe for recreation and wildlife.
We operate three wastewater treatment facilities:
- Water Pollution Control Facility, 6005 E. Vegas Valley Drive, 702-229-6200
- Bonanza/Mojave Water Resource Center, 650 N. Mojave Road
- Durango Hills Water Resource Center, 3271 N. Durango Drive, 702-229-1400
For inquiries regarding a wastewater discharge permit please contact the City of Las Vegas Environmental Compliance & Enforcement at ece@lasvegasnevada.gov or call 702-229-6594.