Background

In 2000, the City inaugurated its first two wastewater treatment plants: the North Plant, with a treatment capacity of 57 million gallons a day (mgd) and the South Plant, with a capacity of 22.8 mgd. However, due to accelerated population growth on the south side of town, an estimated 26.8 mgd of sewage is generated that is not currently being treated. In
particular, in the southeastern area of Juarez, approximately 8.56 mgd of untreated wastewater is discharged to an existing drain located in the vicinity of the area known as El Sauzal. This untreated sewage mixes with the water conveyed through main canal of the Juarez Valley irrigation system, which is used for agricultural purposes.

To increase wastewater treatment coverage and address the current needs of the south section of Ciudad Juarez, JMAS is proposing a project to construct a new treatment plant.

Description

The project consists of the following components:

• South-South Wastewater Treatment Plant. Construction of the first phase of the plant, with a capacity of 11.41 mgd. The effluent produced by this secondary treatment process does not generate offensive odors and may be reused for a broad range of urban and agricultural applications.
• South-South Collector. Construction of a 10-km collector main that will convey the wastewater to the plant.

Benefits

This project will reduce environmental and health hazards associated with untreated wastewater discharges, thus providing a cleaner healthier environment for local residents on both sides of the Rio Grande.