Wastewater
The City of Goshen Wastewater Treatment Plant protects public health and the environment by treating sanitary wastewater before returning it to the Elkhart River.
The plant opened in 1936. It has been expanded and upgraded as Goshen grew. The current design flow is 5.0 million gallons per day. Peak capacity is 12.5 million gallons per day during storm events.
How Treatment Works
Staff remove grit and debris during primary treatment. Secondary treatment uses aeration and biological processes to reduce ammonia and phosphorus.
The plant disinfects from April 1 through Oct. 31 using sodium hypochlorite to eliminate E. coli. Sodium bisulfite then dechlorinates the water before discharge.
Public comment on mercury variance request open
Public comment on the Goshen wastewater mercury variance request is open from Nov. 28 to Dec. 28, 2025. Residents can review the variance and learn more about mercury reduction efforts.
Managing Stormwater and Wet-Weather Flows
Heavy rain can increase system flows and push the plant near peak capacity. Before 2011, several combined sewer overflow sites released excess flow into the river. For more on that history, see our CSO notice page:
https://goshenindiana.org/government/departments/wastewater/cso-notice/
The City now manages excess flow at the Wet Weather Detention Facility. Storage allows full treatment once capacity becomes available.
Pretreatment and Local Industry
Industrial and commercial users must follow pretreatment standards to prevent harmful materials from entering the system.
Related City Code:
• Ordinance 4625 Pretreatment Standards: https://goshenindiana.org/media/uploads/0/4625.pdf
• Ordinance 4941 Mercury Requirements: https://goshenindiana.org/media/uploads/0/4941.pdf
Dental offices and qualifying industries must comply with these standards.
Monitoring and Technology
The plant and 38 lift stations run through a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system. The SCADA monitors performance at all times and alerts staff if equipment requires attention.
What Not to Flush
Only flush human waste and toilet paper. Do not flush wipes, diapers, grease, paint, cleaners, or medications. These items cause damage or blockages in the system.
To learn about lift stations and things to keep out of our sewer systems, click HERE.
Safety Reminder
Call 811 before digging to avoid utility damage.
https://811beforeyoudig.com
Contact
City of Goshen Wastewater Division
519 S. Sixth St.
Goshen, IN 46526
Office: 574-534-5184
After-hours sewer issues: 574-533-8621
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Click HERE for a wastewater staff directory.