.png)
Village of Ellsworth Wastewater Treatment Plant
Review of the Village of Ellsworth Wastewater Treatment Plant
Protecting Our Community and Environment
The Village of Ellsworth Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) has been a key part of keeping our community healthy and our waterways clean since it first went into service in 1956. Over the years, the facility has been updated to handle growth, meet stricter environmental standards, and replace aging equipment.
The most recent major upgrade was completed in 2012, when the Village invested in modern technology to improve treatment capacity, protect Isabelle Creek, and prepare for future growth. Since then, the plant has continued to operate reliably, serving as an essential part of our utility system.
________________________________________
How the Plant Works
Every drop of wastewater from homes and businesses in Ellsworth makes its way to the treatment plant.
Here’s a simple look at the process:
Wastewater Treatment Plant Capacity
Our upgraded Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) was built to handle the community’s needs through at least the year 2030, based on a projected population of about 4,000 residents.
Here’s what that means in simpler terms:
________________________________________
Why It Matters
• Protects local waterways by removing pollutants before water is returned to nature.
• Meets state and federal regulations for clean water.
• Supports growth by ensuring the Village has the capacity to serve residents now and into the future.
________________________________________
In short: Ellsworth’s Wastewater Treatment Plant quietly works behind the scenes every day — protecting public health, safeguarding the environment, and preparing for the future of our community.
Protecting Our Community and Environment
The Village of Ellsworth Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) has been a key part of keeping our community healthy and our waterways clean since it first went into service in 1956. Over the years, the facility has been updated to handle growth, meet stricter environmental standards, and replace aging equipment.
The most recent major upgrade was completed in 2012, when the Village invested in modern technology to improve treatment capacity, protect Isabelle Creek, and prepare for future growth. Since then, the plant has continued to operate reliably, serving as an essential part of our utility system.
________________________________________
How the Plant Works
Every drop of wastewater from homes and businesses in Ellsworth makes its way to the treatment plant.
Here’s a simple look at the process:
1. Collection: Wastewater flows by gravity through the Village’s sewer system to the plant.
2. Screening: Large items (like wipes, rags, or debris) are removed and disposed of properly.
3. Pumping & Mixing: Pumps move the water into tanks where helpful microorganisms “eat” and break down waste.
4. Treatment:
o Special tanks encourage good bacteria that help remove phosphorus.
o Oxidation ditches provide the right balance of oxygen so these microorganisms can do their job.
o Clarifiers allow clean water to separate from solids.
5. Disinfection & Discharge: Ultraviolet (UV) light disinfects the water before it is safely released back into Isabelle Creek. Oxygen is also added back to the water to support aquatic life.
6. Sludge Handling: The solids collected are stored on-site, then hauled to a regional biosolids facility where they are treated and safely disposed of.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Capacity
Our upgraded Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) was built to handle the community’s needs through at least the year 2030, based on a projected population of about 4,000 residents.
Here’s what that means in simpler terms:
• Average daily flow: The plant can treat about 358,000 gallons of wastewater per day (that’s the normal, everyday amount).
• Peak day flow: On a very busy day, it can handle up to 975,000 gallons in a single day.
• Peak hour flow: During the busiest times of day, it can process as much as 2.16 million gallons per hour for short periods.
Along with water, the plant also treats the materials that come with it, such as:
• Organic matter (BOD): Up to about 717 pounds per day
• Solids (TSS): Up to about 813 pounds per day
• Nitrogen: About 112 pounds per day
• Phosphorus: About 25 pounds per day
The plant is also designed with room for future expansion beyond 2030, so it can continue serving residents reliably for decades to come.________________________________________
Why It Matters
• Protects local waterways by removing pollutants before water is returned to nature.
• Meets state and federal regulations for clean water.
• Supports growth by ensuring the Village has the capacity to serve residents now and into the future.
________________________________________
In short: Ellsworth’s Wastewater Treatment Plant quietly works behind the scenes every day — protecting public health, safeguarding the environment, and preparing for the future of our community.