Water Pollution Control

Department Overview

The City of New Castle Water Pollution Control Department (WPCD) operates a 10 Million Gallons per Day (MGD), Class IV, activated sludge wastewater treatment facility. The department is dedicated to protecting environmental health, maintaining municipal sewer infrastructure, and preserving the Big Blue River.

Facility Operations & Capabilities

• Treatment Process: Comprehensive processing featuring influent monitoring, grit removal, primary/secondary clarification, post-aeration, and chemical-free UV disinfection before final effluent discharge.
• Wet Weather Storage: Equipped with an aerated wet-weather retention basin holding up to 10.9 million gallons to capture overflow during heavy rainfall events for complete treatment prior to discharge.
• Biosolids Handling: On-site processing via sludge thickening, mechanical dewatering, anaerobic digestion, and drying.

Department Vision & Mission

• Vision: Aspire to provide the highest quality of treated water to the Big Blue River through proactive environmental stewardship.
• Mission: Deliver efficient, high-quality wastewater and sewer services to residents and businesses through fiscal responsibility, timely assistance, and professional operations.

Department Commitments & Goals

• Provide technical guidance to city officials and residents on all wastewater and stormwater issues.
• Maintain system infrastructure while exceeding state and federal environmental compliance standards.
• Partner with local departments to support future economic growth, development, and annexations.
• Respond promptly to ratepayer needs with exceptional customer service and public environmental education.