Definitions for "Publicly Owned Treatment Works"
A treatment works, as defined by Section 212 of the CWA, that is owned by the state or municipality. This definition includes any devices and systems used in the storage, treatment, recycling, and reclamation of municipal sewage or industrial wastes of a liquid nature. It also includes sewers, pipes, and other conveyances only if they convey wastewater to a POTW treatment plant [40 CFR 403.3]. Privately-owned treatment works, Federally-owned treatment works, and other treatment plants not owned by municipalities are not considered POTWs.
(POTW) A wastewater treatment system owned by a public agency such as federal, state, county, city, or a district.
POTW is any device or system used in the treatment (including recycling and reclamation) of municipal sewage or liquid industrial wastes that is owned by a state or municipality.