Richmond's wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 58,000 customers in the City and is the largest of its kind in Virginia. Located along the south bank of the James River, the plant can treat up to 70 million gallons a day (MGD) of sanitary sewage and stormwater before returning it to the river.

Protecting and improving the water quality and aquatic life in the James River is an ongoing commitment by the Department of Public Utilities (DPU). The wastewater plant laboratory has recently been expanded to do more technologically advanced water analysis. The State has nominated the Pre-treatment Program,* which protects the plant and the river from harmful industrial discharges, for "Best In Virginia." In addition to the millions that have been spent in wastewater plant upgrades, DPU is also engaged in a $117 million combined sewer overflow (CSO) control program to protect the river from untreated sewer overflows during heavy rains.

The wastewater utility also operates and maintains 1,500 miles of sanitary sewer, pumping stations, 38 miles of intercepting sewer lines, and the Shockoe Retention Basin, a 44-million-gallon stormwater reservoir used during heavy rains.

* For more information about Richmond's Industrial Pre-treatment Program, call 646-8940.