Last modified on: July 30, 2010 11:58:59 AM PDT

History

1880s
The City of San José constructs a simple sewage system that takes untreated water into the Bay.

1940s
Indoor plumbing grew among Americans, generating more wastewater.

1946
The federal Water Pollution Control Act passes in response to the increase in wastewater contaminating the nation's waters. It was the first federal law to regulate water pollution.

1950
Santa Clara County recommends two separate collection systems for stormwater and wastewater to reduce the amount of water requiring treatment.

1954
The City of San José annexes land at the southern Bay and purchased bufferlands for the Plant site.

1956
The City of San José constructs the Plant with only primary treatment facilities designed to treat organic waste from canneries.

1959
The City of Santa Clara helps fund upgrades, gaining an approximate 20 percent ownership stake.

1964
The Plant expands to include secondary treatment to meet state regulations and accommodate a growing population.

1960s & 1970s
City of Milpitas, Cupertino Sanitary District, and the West Valley Sanitation District join the Plant.

1972
The Clean Water Act is enacted to eliminate all discharged pollutants by 1985. The focus is to limit pollution levels in the water and regulate pollution at the source.

1979
The Plant expands to include tertiary treatment to meet Clean Water Act regulations.

1998
The South Bay Water Recycling facility and pipeline is constructed.

2006
The Plant celebrates 50 years of service.

2008
Plant Master Plan launches to plan the next 30 years.

Participate in the Plant Master Plan process: