water reclamation division

The Water Reclamation Division is responsible for treating and disposing of wastewater from the collection system to protect public health, eliminate nuisance conditions, and safeguard the environment. Treatment helps remove toxic and hazardous materials, protect water sources, eliminate deposits in natural water bodies, and conserve water for reuse.

Treatment Process:
  • Contaminant Removal: Amarillo’s Water Reclamation Facilities use dissolved oxygen, bacteria, and single-celled organisms to remove 99% of suspended solids, ammonia, and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), as well as 98% of E. coli bacteria.
Facilities:
  • River Road Water Reclamation Facility (North Plant): Located north of the city, this facility has a treatment capacity of 16 million gallons per day. Of this, 8.7 million gallons per day of treated water is supplied to Xcel Energy for industrial use, with the remainder discharged to East Amarillo Creek.

  • Hollywood Road Water Reclamation Facility (South Plant): Located south of the city, this facility has a treatment capacity of 12 million gallons per day. Of this, 6.8 million gallons per day of treated water is provided to Xcel Energy, with the remainder discharged to Lake Tanglewood and the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River.

water reclamation faqs

Water Reclamation involves treating wastewater to safeguard public health, protect the environment, and remove contaminants. It’s crucial for eliminating waterborne diseases, preserving water sources, and conserving water for reuse.

Water Reclamation facilities play a key role in removing toxic materials, eliminating nuisance conditions, and preventing deposits of solids in lakes, streams, and rivers. This helps safeguard natural ecosystems and downstream water supplies.

Water Reclamation Facilities use dissolved oxygen, bacteria, and organisms to achieve impressive removal rates, including 99% removal of suspended solids and ammonia, 99% removal of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), and 98% removal of e-coli bacteria.

Wastewater is treated at two main facilities in Amarillo: the River Road Water Reclamation Facility (North Plant) located north of the city, and the Hollywood Road Water Reclamation Facility (South Plant) located south of the city. These facilities collectively contribute to the treatment and disposal of wastewater from the wastewater collection system.

With a city permit, septic waste and porta potty waste are accepted at Hollywood Road.  If you have any other questions regarding waste dumping, please call Hollywood Road at 806-622-0722