Industrial Pretreatment 

The City’s Industrial Pretreatment program is designed to reduce the levels of pollutants discharged into the sanitary sewer system. This is accomplished by regulating non-residential wastewater generators that discharge greater than 25,000 gallons per day to the sanitary sewer or have the potential to cause harm to the sanitary sewer system or the City’s wastewater treatment facilities (Wichita Falls Resource Recover Facility and Northside Wastewater Treatment Facility). 

The Industrial Pretreatment program and the Code of Federal Regulations sets restrictions and pollutant limits on dischargers of non-residential wastewater to the sanitary sewer system. The Wichita Falls Pretreatment Program received EPA approval in 1982 and is guided by City Ordinance 20-2020.

The goals of the Industrial Pretreatment Program are to prevent the introduction of pollutants into the sanitary sewer in amounts that could:

• Hinder the ability of the City’s wastewater treatment facilities to operate effectively.
• Pass through the wastewater treatment facility to the receiving river (Wichita River) or lake (Lake Arrowhead).
• Inhibit the City’s ability to economically dispose of the wastewater residuals (biosolids).
• Result in concerns for worker health and safety. 
• Damage to the sanitary sewer system.
• Cause an obstruction in the sanitary sewer system. 

Federal Laws developed pursuant to the Clean Water Act of 1977 require municipalities to enact sewer use ordinances and policies sufficient to assure continued compliance with the Federal Pretreatment Regulations. 

For more information please contact the Environmental Coordinator at (940) 761-7670