For many years, the City of Newman has employed a very simple septic tank and oxidation pond system to treat its municipal and industrial wastewaters. Oxidation ponds are very common secondary wastewater treatment systems in California for cities the size of Newman (population 3,000 in 1978). Average flow during the peak month at Newman is 0.048 m3/s (1.1 mgd). Oxidation pond systems are usually less costly to operate and maintain than conventional systems such as trickling filters or activated sludge, but are land extensive. They are generally cost-effective for smaller communities where land is not as expensive as in urban areas.