Blue Diamond Community Facts . . .
. . . from the Clark County Water Reclamation District

History

The Blue Diamond wastewater collection and treatment system was originally constructed in 1940 in conjunction with the housing for the Blue Diamond gypsum mine. In 1987 the State of Nevada asked the Clark County Sanitation District (our previous name) to assume responsibility for the wastewater system and, as a result, the District became involved with bringing the system into compliance with State and Federal regulations.

What happens to the water we use?

Each day, 40,000 gallons of wastewater from local homes, schools, churches and businesses make their way through the 3 miles of pipelines to the treatment facilities. In Blue Diamond, wastewater treatment is provided by large ponds called stabilization ponds. These ponds are used in many small communities for a number of important reasons:

• Stabilization ponds provide the necessary treatment at a significantly lower cost than the more complex systems and equipment that are often required for larger populations.
• The capital costs to build the facilities are much lower for this system.
• Stabilization ponds are cost-efficient because they require very little maintenance.

This system of wastewater treatment is perfect for a rural setting, because the creation of stabilization ponds requires a significantly large area in which to build the ponds, and they can be built well away from populated areas.

How does the system work?

As the wastewater leaves our community, it flows to the ponds to begin treatment. First, the wastewater enters the primary stabilization ponds, where the solids settle to the bottom and are naturally consumed by microorganisms in the wastewater.

The cleaner water then flows into the secondary stabilization ponds, where the water evaporates or is naturally filtered by layers of sediment and rock.

How is the system maintained?

The pipelines in the collection system are routinely maintained using high pressure cleaning equipment and vacuum trucks. In addition, the stabilization ponds are periodically inspected and cleaned to keep them operating in an efficient manner.

Contact Us

The Clark County Water Reclamation District is pleased to provide wastewater treatment for the community of Blue Diamond. If you have any questions or comments about wastewater treatment in Blue Diamond, please contact Community Services at (702) 434-6624 or (800) 782-4324.