Alberschwende Wastewater Treatment Plant - Vorarlberg, Austria

Alberschwende wastewater treatment plant is located in the municipality of Alberschwende in the Vorarlberg region of Austria. The facility serves a population of approximately 3,900 residents and is situated near the Bregenz district. As an advanced treatment plant, it provides a high level of purification for the local community's wastewater. The plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this scale. With a designed capacity of 9,200 m³/day and a current discharge volume of 591.78 m³/day, the plant has significant reserve capacity. Advanced treatment ensures removal of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which is particularly important for sensitive receiving waters. The treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that eventually drain into the Rhine River basin and ultimately the North Sea. The plant plays a crucial role in protecting the aquatic environment of the Vorarlberg region, which is known for its alpine landscapes and sensitive ecosystems. By maintaining high treatment standards, the facility helps preserve water quality in the downstream Rhine catchment.

The plant discharges into local streams that feed into the Rhine River basin, which flows through Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands before reaching the North Sea. The Vorarlberg region is ecologically sensitive due to its alpine terrain and proximity to Lake Constance (Bodensee), a major freshwater resource. Advanced treatment helps protect downstream aquatic habitats and supports biodiversity in the Rhine watershed.