Background

Currently, 31 percent of the population does not have access to wastewater collection services and has to use latrines and septic tanks. Moreover, current sewer services are hampered by deficiencies in the existing sewer system, including deteriorated lines that tend to collapse, damaged manholes, and collectors with negative slopes resulting in
obstructed lines.

Wastewater treatment is ineffective, since the existing oxidation pond has exceeded its useful life after almost nine years in operation. It is currently inoperable and discharges effluent with contaminants in excess of the permissible limits set by Mexico’s national water commission, negatively impacting the quality of the Rio Grande water.

Description

The project has been divided in to two components: the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant and the replacement and expansion of the sewer system. The project is expected to meet the city’s needs through 2019.

Wastewater Treatment Plant:
Construction of a new wastewater treatment plant comprised of a facultative lagoon system with the capacity to treat 2.5 million gallons a day (MGD).

Wastewater Collection System:
Works in the first phase include:
• Constructing 2.85 miles of sewer lines
• Constructing 82 manholes
• Installing 2,300 sewer connections

Benefits

Expansion of the sewer system will add approximately 7,850 new users to the system, thus bringing service coverage to 100 percent of the current population. The improved collection and treatment system will also prevent sewage spills from contaminating local aquifers and land, as well as ensure that the effluent discharged into the Rio Grande complies with established environmental standards.