Tour de Sewer Flowing Near You

Published on February 03, 2025

No longer just a pipe dream, the new wastewater treatment facility in White Rock is a state-of-the-art site representing a pipeline of success. The public is invited to plunge into a tour of the site. Scheduled for March 5 at 10 a.m., the tour is free but space is limited. Tickets are available at ladpu.com/tour.

Officially called the White Rock Water Resource Reclamation Facility (WRRF), the new plant went online in 2024. A decade prior, the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) began flushing out a plan to replace the original White Rock Wastewater Treatment Plant, built in 1966. Proving they know how to handle pressure—just like a well-designed drainage system—the engineering staff at DPU overcame a continual flow of blockages before completing the project. These backups included a steady stream of cost increases, supply chain issues and environmental discharge permit requirements.

Anyone who wants to unclog the answer to “what happens after I flush?” is welcome to reserve a spot for the March 5 WRRF tour. DPU will schedule tours regularly, depending on the demand and success of the first one. All ages are welcome. Private WRRF tours for classes, organizations, and large groups can be scheduled separately through Wastewater Treatment Superintendent Josh Silva, (505) 470-5606, Joshua.silva@lacnm.us.