The Yellow River Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) is an award-winning advanced wastewater treatment facility located in Lilburn. Originally built in 1979 with a capacity of 6 million gallons per day, the facility underwent a $240 million modernization effort in 2011 to convert it to a membrane bioreactor wastewater treatment plant and increase its capacity to 22 million gallons per day. In 2016, the facility received the Platinum Peak Performance Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies for 100 percent permit compliance over a five-year period.

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) strives to be a good neighbor to the community, and during the 2011 renovation, DWR ensured that the Yellow River WRF would be more than just a wastewater treatment facility. Seated on 120 acres, the facility is surrounded by green trees, has no issues with odor, and has even been likened to a public park due to its natural beauty.

Residents flock to the Yellow River WRF every year during the Fall Festival, a family-friendly day that includes tours, activities, games, and more. Gwinnett County residents learn about how water is reclaimed, cleaned, and returned to the environment, making the treatment processes we perform every day more relatable and transparent. To find out more about the Fall Festival, visit our Get Involved page. 

Awards

• 2018 Georgia Association of Water Professionals Plant of the Year
• 2016, 2017 and 2019 National Association of Clean Water Agencies Platinum Peak Performance Award for 100 percent permit compliance over a 5-year period
• 2017 Georgia Association of Water Professionals Platinum Award for seven consecutive years of 100 percent permit compliance
• 2017 WEF George W. Burke, Jr. Facility Safety Award—only granted to one Wastewater Facility in Georgia annually

• Press “Play” in the bottom left corner of the screen to start the Highlight Reel. This will take you through each phase of the tour. Be sure to click the arrow next to the Play button so that you can see the frames at the bottom of the screen.
• At any time, you can click on the screen to pause the highlight reel and click on the blue targets to gain more info or view a short video. Make sure you click on all the targets!
• The frames at the bottom of the screen indicate whether you can move freely through the space. When you see the “walking man” that means you can roam the space without playing the highlight reel.
• Press “Play” at any time to resume the highlight reel.

1. Welcome & Operations Center

2. Preliminary & Primary Treatment Area

3. Membrane Pump Room

4. Plant Odor Control