The Riverside Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) is located at 5950 Acorn Street Riverside, CA 92504. The RWQCP is dedicated to continuously expanding and upgrading to meet future needs. These enhancements incorporate state-of-the-art technologies to produce high-quality effluent water and boost the plant’s efficiency.
How the RWQCP Works
The RWQCP comprises two treatment plants and a common tertiary filtration plant, managing up to 46 million gallons per day (MGD)—enough to fill 61 Olympic-sized pools! Here’s a brief overview of the treatment process:
- Preliminary Treatment:
- Mechanical Bar Screen: Removes large objects.
- Grit Screen Chambers: Eliminate rocks and heavy debris.
- Primary Treatment:
- Clarifiers: Solids settle at the bottom, while grease and oils rise to the surface for skimming.
- Secondary (Biological) Treatment:
- Air Injection: Promotes microorganism growth to consume waste. These microorganisms settle at the bottom of the secondary sedimentation tank for reuse.
- Tertiary Treatment:
- MBR Filters: Remove viruses and suspended particles.
- Disinfection/Dechlorination:
- Chlorine Injection: Eliminates pathogens. The water is then dechlorinated to protect the Santa Ana River habitat.
- Sludge Disposal:
- Digesters: Sludge is digested, dewatered, dried, and transported off-site for disposal.
Meet Terrence the Water Bear
Meet Terrence the Water Bear, our tiny superhero known scientifically as a tardigrade. With bear-like claws at the end of his eight legs and sharp teeth, Terrence truly earns his cool nickname "Water Bear."
Over the past year, we've welcomed Terrence to our RWQCP. He's currently taking a long nap but will soon wake up and get to work! Terrence's primary job is to help break down solid waste in one of our five digesters, working alongside his family and friends. On hot days, you might even spot Terrence and his buddies floating around in our Aeration Basins, having a blast!
Fun Facts About Tardigrades
- Microscopic Size: You need a microscope to see them!
- Incredible Resilience: Able to survive being boiled, baked, frozen, crushed, dehydrated, or even blasted into space!
- Extremophiles: Thriving in extreme environments like our air-free digesters.
Water bears like Terrence play a crucial role at the RWQCP, ensuring our water is clean and safe by breaking down waste and supporting other microorganisms.
Visit us at the Riverside Water Quality Control Plant to learn more about our processes and meet Terrence the Water Bear!