Searchlight Community Facts . . .
. . . from the Clark County Water Reclamation District

History

The Searchlight wastewater collection and treatment system has served the Searchlight community since its construction in 1976. Prior to that time, the collection and treatment of wastewater was provided through cesspools and septic tanks. The current system consists of 6 miles of sewer lines and one lift (or pump station) station, which pumps the area's wastewater to a central location for treatment.

What happens to the water we use?

Each day, 39,000 gallons of wastewater from local homes, motels, schools, churches and businesses make their way through the 6 miles of pipelines and lift station and are then pumped to the treatment facilities. In Searchlight, 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 type of 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 it's possible to build the ponds well away from populated areas.

How does the system work?

As the wastewater leaves our community, it is collected and pumped to the ponds. 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. The lift station is monitored 24 hours a day by a sophisticated computer system that can notify crews at any time if the system requires attention. 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 Searchlight. If you have any questions or comments about wastewater treatment in Searchlight, please contact Community Services at (702) 434-6624 or (800) 782-4324.