Why do we treat wastewater?

• Protection of public health from waterborne disease
• Elimination of nuisance conditions
• Protection of the natural environment
• Removal of toxic and hazardous materials that might accumulate.
• Protection of water sources and downstream water supplies
• Elimination of deposits of solids in lakes, streams, and rivers 
• Conservation of water for reuse

Amarillo Water Reclamation Facilities utilize dissolved oxygen, bacteria, and single-celled organisms for:

• 99% removal of contaminants such as suspended solids and ammonia
• 99% removal of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)
• 98% removal of e-coli bacteria

The Water Reclamation Division is subdivided into two facilities:

River Road Water Reclamation Facility

The River Road Water Reclamation Facility, also known as the North Plant, is located north of the City. The facility has a total treatment capacity of 16 million gallons per day. Approximately 8.7 million gallons per day of treated reclaimed water is available to Xcel Energy for industrial use and the remaining reclaimed water is discharged to East Amarillo Creek.

Hollywood Road Water Reclamation Facility

The Hollywood Road Water Reclamation Facility, also known as the South Plant, is located south of the City. The facility has a total treatment capacity of 12 million gallons per day. Approximately 6.8 million gallons per day of treated reclaimed water is available to Xcel Energy for industrial use and the remaining reclaimed water is discharged to Lake Tanglewood and the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River.

Water Reclamation FAQs