Welcome to the Pinetop-Lakeside Sanitary District (PLSD)
Wastewater Treatment Facility

This facility represents the current status of a project which began in the 1960’s by concerned members of our community who recognized the need for collection and treatment of waste water.

The Sanitary District came into being on December 13, 1973, by a special election in the Pinetop-Lakeside area. Years of planning and discussion followed and resulted in the completion of a 400,000 gallon per day wastewater treatment plant in 1980. This facility served the area well until growth in the mid 1980’s made expansion necessary. This was not an unexpected event, but was predicted and planned for by the Board of Directors and Staff.

The present wastewater facility was completed in early 1988. This 2.0 million gallon per day wastewater treatment plant was constructed at a cost of 4.2 million dollars. No bonds were sold to finance this construction which is highly unusual in a municipal construction. Approximately two million dollars were provided by E.P.A. and the remaining monies were generated locally by the following sources:

• High Density capacity charges paid by developers.
• Connection fees paid by subdividers and developers.
• Connection fees paid by individuals.
• Annexation fees from lands joining the Sanitary District.
• Budget savings and surpluses from operations.
• Miscellaneous revenues and fees for services.

The Board of Directors and Staff at the Sanitary District have worked hard to manage the wastewater generated by our community in an effort to keep our surface and ground waters clean. Our actions help guarantee that we and future generations can enjoy the natural beauty of our community.

Currently the wastewater plant treats about 1.0 million gallons per day on an average. This treated wastewater is discharged to the Jacques Marsh located west of Penrod Road. This marsh area is owned by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service and through a special use agreement, the District constructed several ponds that serve as a wetlands area containing approximately 128 acres of land. The District also utilizes com posting as a method for treating and disposing of the wastewater by-product commonly referred to as sludge or biosolids. This method of treating the biosolids meets the EPA standards required to classify this product as a Class A Biosolids that can be used as a soil amendment. We would be happy to try and answer any question that the public may have concerning the District and its operations.