Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection

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About Us What We Do header in blue and green with WEP logo to left

As a public health benefit and a necessity for economic development, the Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection (WEP) has a big job to do. Processing over 33 billion gallons of wastewater each year, WEP operates around the clock, cleaning the wastewater of homes and businesses before returning it to the environment. WEP provides service to nearly 75% of Onondaga County's population. View our service area.

Providing Critical Services To Our Community

Wastewater is essentially used water from homes, businesses, and industries. It includes substances like human waste, food scraps, oils, soaps, and chemicals. For the health and safety of people and local habitats, wastewater must be treated before it returns to our waterways. If it is not properly treated, wastewater can carry disease and since we live, work, and play so close to water, harmful bacteria has to be removed to make water safe. Clean water is also crucial for plants and animals to survive. Excessive nutrients or contaminants found in wastewater can be detrimental to their natural habitats. The treatment processes significantly reduce these pollutants from wastewater.

WEP Core Divisions

Over 2,000 miles of pipes and 160 pump stations carry wastewater to WEP's six wastewater treatment plants. Operating and maintaining this infrastructure requires a workforce with diverse skills. WEP has four core divisions that make up the department's primary functions. Join our team of #WEPSuperheroes

Regulatory and Technical Division - Words over picture of glass laboratory glassware

Administration Division - Words over picture of WEP's Administration Building

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