Provo's Cutting-Edge Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade - A win for Utah Lake and Sustainable Water Future
- Greg Page
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
I’m pleased to announce that Provo City’s new $200 million wastewater treatment plant upgrade is complete and set for its official ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 21st—and I’ve been personally invited by Mayor Michelle Kaufusi to attend this milestone event. As a wastewater process control engineer with extensive experience in membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology, I couldn’t be more excited about what this means for clean water, environmental protection, and the future of Utah Lake.
A Major Leap Forward in Wastewater Treatment
Provo’s upgraded facility represents one of the most advanced membrane bioreactor (MBR) wastewater treatment plants in the region. For those in the industry, you know that MBR technology combines biological treatment with ultrafiltration membranes, producing exceptionally high-quality effluent—far surpassing conventional treatment methods.
Key features of the upgraded plant include:
- Enhanced Nutrient Removal – Reducing phosphorus and nitrogen levels to protect Utah Lake from harmful algal blooms.
- Ultra-Fine Filtration – Membranes with pore sizes as small as 0.04 mic
rons, removing bacteria, viruses, and microplastics.
- Energy Efficiency & Sustainability – Advanced aeration controls and biogas recovery systems to minimize the plant’s carbon footprint.
- Future-Proof Capacity – Designed to accommodate Provo’s growing population while maintaining compliance with strict EPA and state water quality standards.
Why This Matters for Utah Lake
Utah Lake is a vital ecological and recreational resource, but it has faced challenges from nutrient loading and declining water quality. The old treatment plant, while functional, simply wasn’t equipped to handle modern demands.
This new MBR system ensures that every drop of treated water released into Utah Lake is cleaner and safer than ever before. By drastically reducing phosphorus and nitrogen discharges, the plant helps prevent:
- Harmful algal blooms (which can threaten wildlife and human health).
- Oxygen depletion in the lake, protecting fish and aquatic ecosystems.
- Long-term water quality degradation, ensuring Utah Lake remains a treasure for future generations.
A Personal Perspective: Why I’m Proud to Be Part of This
As someone who has worked hands-on with MBR systems across the country, I can confidently say that Provo’s upgrade is a model of smart engineering and environmental stewardship. Mayor Kaufusi and the city’s Public Works team deserve immense credit for prioritizing long-term sustainability over short-term cost savings.
This isn’t just about meeting regulations—it’s about leading the way in water innovation. Provo’s investment ensures that as the community grows, our lake stays clean, our ecosystems thrive, and our water remains safe.
Join Us at the Ribbon-Cutting!
If you’re in the area, I encourage you to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 21st and see this state-of-the-art facility firsthand. It’s a testament to what happens when engineering excellence, forward-thinking leadership, and community commitment come together.
As a wastewater professional, I’m proud to support projects like this—because clean water isn’t just a necessity; it’s a legacy we leave for future generations.
Here’s to a cleaner, healthier Utah Lake!
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Have questions about MBR technology or Provo’s new plant? Drop a comment below—I’d love to discuss!
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