For decades, the Muskegon County Resource Recovery Center (MCRRC) has served as a national model for sustainable wastewater reuse. Spanning 11,000 acres, the system uses treated wastewater to irrigate agricultural fields, transforming a waste stream into a valuable resource for growing corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. Its scale and innovation, dating back to its origins as a pilot project by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, make it one of the most unique wastewater reuse systems in the country. Central to the operation is a complex network of lagoons, pump stations, and irrigation rigs. More than 30 miles of pipe feed 53 center-pivot systems, distributing partially treated effluent across thousands of acres for additional treatment prior to discharge to the Mosquito Creek Outfall.
By the mid-2010s, however, aging infrastructure began to hinder performance. The South Irrigation Pump Station, built in 1973, had served well for decades but could no longer meet modern demands. A 2017 study revealed the irrigation pump stations lacked the pressure needed to run all irrigation rigs at once. Some rigs operated inefficiently or not at all. Additionally, flow from the lagoons to the South Irrigation Pump Station relied on the operation of a single gate; failure of this gate could have overflowed the pump station and flooded the surrounding area.
Rather than retrofit outdated equipment, project leaders took a more strategic approach: building a new pump station in a better location. This allowed for elimination of an overgrown ditch, reduced flooding risk by raising the facility’s elevation, and upgraded system technology.
The result is a more resilient, low-maintenance station equipped with six high-performance pumps, automated screening, and robust debris management. With this upgrade, MCRRC continues its legacy of innovation, ensuring West Michigan benefits from reliable, sustainable water reuse for years to come.