The Future of Wastewater Treatment Series: Bradenton, FL

This article is part of our feature on the future of wastewater in the U.S.’s fastest growing metro areas. We’re using the Transcend Design Generator to automatically build, expand, or upgrade regional wastewater treatment systems in each of these regions.

Manatee County, Florida, known for its scenic beaches and growing population, lands in the 67th spot on the fastest-growing counties in the US. This population boom brings forth various challenges, one of which is ensuring the provision of efficient and adequate wastewater treatment. The county is served primarily by two main facilities: The Southwest Regional Water Reclamation Facility (SWRWRF) and the smaller Bradenton Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The SWRWRF, operated by the Manatee County Utilities Department (MCUD), processes about 13.3 million gallons of wastewater per day. While this facility does an exceptional job serving the current population, the rapid growth of the county signals an upcoming demand that might overwhelm the current capabilities. The Bradenton Wastewater Treatment Plant, although its exact size is unspecified, it is estimated to process considerably less than SWRWRF, perhaps around half of its size.

Recognizing the need for adequate preparation in response to this growth, a strategic plan for expansion is in place. Instead of a complete overhaul of the existing systems, the plan involves constructing a new facility parallel to the SWRWRF. This approach will utilize existing knowledge and operational efficiency of the current plant, effectively doubling the wastewater treatment capacity, and ensuring that Manatee County’s wastewater treatment capabilities keep pace with the county’s growth, which would need around 35 to 40 MGD wastewater treatment in 2030.

With this expansion, Manatee County makes a commitment to sustainable growth, guaranteeing clean water for its rapidly expanding population, and safeguarding the natural beauty of its environment for future generations.

If you’d like to see the full design package for this treatment plant, send us a note at info@transcendinfra.com or contact us here and a member of our team will share it with you!

If you enjoyed this piece you may also want to read about the future of wastewater in Salt Lake City, UT.