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History
As early as 1954, local citizens petitioned for sewer service. The cost, however, was prohibitive. But
growth brought an overload to the septic systems and health hazards to the community. In 1970 the Board
of Directors voted to move ahead with plans to apply for a federal grant and build a sewage treatment
plant. In 1972 the District built the Alan L. Horton Wastewater Treatment Plant, named after a longtime
Board member who was instrumental in bringing wastewater collections and treatment to Desert Hot Springs.
Beginning with the capacity to process 200,000 gallons of wastewater a day, the Horton Wastewater
Treatment Plant has been expanded four times to today's capacity of 2 million gallons a day (MGD). The
plant has received numerous awards over the years, including Plant of the Year in 1989, 1991, 1992, 1996, 2004 and 2006; Collections Systems of the Year in 1992 and 2006; State Safety Award in 1992 and numerous Operator of the Year and Collection Systems Person of the Year awards. The most recent awards won are:
2007 Awards:
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Plant Operator of the Year - Chris Jacobson, Grade II Operator
2006 Awards:
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Plant of the Year: 1-5 MGD category - this is the 6th win for the HWTP
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Collections System of the Year: 0 - 249 miles category
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Collection System Person of the Year: Lead Operator Lee Boyle
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Supervisor of the Year: Chief Plant Operator Wayne Robertson, an 18-year employee of the District
These awards were presented to the plant's staff by the Colorado River Basin Section (CORBS) of the
California Water Environment Association (CWEA) at their annual awards dinner held at the Fantasy
Springs Casino Events Center.
Looking Ahead
Continued growth and development in the Desert Hot Springs area brings with it the need for further
expansion of wastewater collections and treatment systems. The District has already been looking at possible
expansion projects which would enable the facility to treat 3 - 5 million gallons per day (MGD) of wastewater
as the need arises.
Other objectives in the District's wastewater treatment expansion plans are the implementation of new
and upgraded technology which will effectively control odors and grease at the existing facilities and to
have a plan in place for future tertiary reclaimed water options. These objectives are expected to be in
place at the plant in 2009.
Take a virtual tour of the Horton Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Glossary:
Tertiary - Tertiary treatment removes nutrients, heavy metals and chemical contaminants through a
microfiltering process.
Reclaimed Water - Product produced by tertiary treatment of wastewater.
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