Effluent Pipeline

Wastewater reuse is a Special District's initiative to recycle treated effluent for the creation of wildlife habitats, irrigation of agricultural lands, and generation of geothermal power. Special Districts injection of effluent at the Geysers for geothermal steam production and power generation is the first of its kind in the world. The agency's goal is to maximize the energy, environmental, and economic benefits that wastewater reuse can achieve for Lake County.

Effluent Recycling Pipeline

At the heart of the wastewater reuse system is a 50-mile pipeline that collects effluent from ten communities for injection in the Geyser's geothermal steam field. The first phase of the recycling pipeline was completed in 1997 between the Southeast Regional and Middletown treatment plants and the Geysers; the first segment of the Phase 2 pipeline was completed in 1999 with the connection of the Clearlake Oaks treatment plant to the system, and the remainder of the Phase 2 pipeline to the Northwest Regional treatment plant was completed in 2003.

The system's first phase delivers an average of 5,400 Gallons Per Minute (GPM) to geothermal injection wells operated by the Northern California Power Agency (NCPA) and Calpine Corporation. These industry partners have achieved a 70 MW increase in generating capacity since Phase 1 operations began. Phase 2 has increased effluent injection volume by approximately 20% in normal weather years, and by as much as 150% in drought years.