Pumps in Pop Culture
El Portal Wastewater Treatment Plant
In July, Yosemite National Park began construction on the El Portal Wastewater Treatment Plant, a project aimed at modernizing the park's 45-year-old wastewater infrastructure. The existing plant is the largest of its kind in the National Park Service, supporting over 4 million annual visitors, 700 residents and hundreds of park employees. Once completed, the new plant will process up to 1 million gallons of wastewater daily.
Neuse River Resource Recovery Facility
The Neuse River Resource Recovery Facility in Raleigh, North Carolina, has created a recycled water pond in its courtyard area. The pond is home to several fish and occasional turtles and even has a frog hotel. The pond serves as a creative example of how treated wastewater can be used in communities.
SepticSmart Week 2025
SepticSmart Week takes place Sept. 15-19. This annual event gives communities, national organizations, local groups and state governments the opportunity to bring attention to the importance of caring for and maintaining septic systems by organizing educational events and workshops and sharing information online. Visit epa.gov/septic/septicsmart-week for more information.
