Geese on the Rio Grande near the Outfall where SWRP discharges to the Rio Grande.

The Southside Water Reclamation Plant (SWRP) is situated on a 100-acre site at 4201 Second Street SW in Albuquerque. It is the largest wastewater treatment facility in New Mexico. If you would like a tour of the plant, get more information below, or give us a call at (505) 873-6924.

SWRP serves the entire Albuquerque and Bernalillo County area. In 1994, SWRP was upgraded to meet more stringent treatment requirements based on water quality regulations in New Mexico and Isleta Pueblo. The Nitrogen Removal Project, this $60 million program was mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The project enabled the City to meet the new standards for ammonia and nitrate. Completed in 1998, the improved Southside Plant is operating well within the regulatory requirements.

Cogeneration Facility at WRD.

Energy Use

The Water Reclamation Division uses the methane gas produced by the wastewater treatment process to generate the electricity and heat needed to operate the SWRP. Using this process–called "cogeneration" – SWRP generates about half of its own power needs. It would cost about $70,000 a month to buy this energy at current prices.

Find Out More About Tours

The Water Reclamation Division gives tours of the Southside Water Reclamation Plant for groups of up to 30 students and interested people from age 10 to 100. We ask that at least one adult accompany every 5 youngsters 5th grade and up. The tours last 1-1/2 to 2 hours and usually begin at 9:00 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.

You will be walking and climbing lots of stairs, so wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes. SWRP is a functioning industrial facility; for safety's sake, we cannot allow shorts, sandals or open-toed shoes to be worn on the tour. Need more information? Call Lisa Carreon at 873-6924.

Getting There

The Southside Water Reclamation Plant is located at 4201 2nd Street SW. From Downtown Albuquerque, take I-25 south to the Rio Bravo exit. Go west (right) on Rio Bravo. At the second stoplight, turn south (left) onto 2nd Street. The Plant is one-quarter mile south of the Rio Bravo-2nd Street intersection on the right-hand side of the street. Stop at the guard station for directions.