The wastewater treatment plant, also known as the Eugene-Springfield Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF), is a state-of-the-art facility located on River Avenue in Eugene. The treatment plant and 49 pump stations distributed across Eugene and Springfield operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to collect and treat wastewater from homes, businesses, and industries before returning the cleaned water, or effluent, to the Willamette River. Through advanced technology and processes, the facility cleans, on average, up to 35 million gallons of wastewater every day. That’s the equivalent to filling 53 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The treatment processes we use protect the community, downstream users, and the Willamette River ecosystem by consistently removing more than 97.5% of pollutants.
Awards
In summer 2022, we were recognized by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) with a Platinum Peak Performance Award. The Platinum Award recognizes the accomplishment of 15 consecutive years of 100% compliance with the effluent limits of our plant’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit.
In fall 2021, we were also recognized by the Pacific Northwest Clean Waters Association (PNCWA) for our wastewater treatment plant’s safety program through the George W. Burke, Jr. Facility Safety Award. This award recognizes a municipal or industrial wastewater facility for excellence in its active and effective safety program and safety record. The MWMC is committed to the safety of our staff, contractors, and the public and works hard to ensure our facilities are well maintained and safe for all.
Wastewater Treatment Process
The regional wastewater program staff strive to produce effluent, or treated water, that doesn’t just meet standards, but has better quality than the maximum allowable limits for the many parameters defined by federal and state guidelines. Watch this 4-minute video to see how we clean water:
