The wetlands was built to expand the VALLEY
SANITARY DISTRICT wastewater treatment process, serving
Indio and nearby Indian properties. The design
goes well beyond the principal function
of primary wastewater treatment, and provides
a migratory and resident waterfowl and shorebird
habitat with education and passive recreation benefits.
The constructed wetlands ecosystem is a natural
process where water, plants, animals and microorganisms
interact to clean water that comes from
the public sewer system to the treatment plant.
The project design is for one million gallons
per day of wastewater treatment in three
independent ponds/marshes covering 15 acres on a
total 25-acre site. This equates to serving
approximately 3,500 households or more than 10,000
population. The treated water flows into the Whitewater River,
as a primary source of clean water into the
Salton Sea. Secondary treated water from the plant
is also used for irrigation of nearby agricultural crops.

     

The public education and recreation opportunities of this
facility are enhanced by a parntership with the
COACHELLA VALLEY WILD BIRD CENTER. The Center's
primary mission is a to rehabilitate and release wild birds.
The wetlands provide a natural area in addition to other
treatment ponds and nearby open lands where nature
can be observed, studied and enjoyed. All of the
amenities of the wetlands are provided by the CENTER
and private contributors, including trees, kiosks, bird watching
blinds, towers, and benches. The facility is open
to the public due to the continuing efforts
of the CENTER and it's dedicated friends.

     

In 2000, Valley Sanitary District celebrated its 75th
anniversary as an independent special district serving
Indio. Enjoy the multiple benefits of this facility!