Murau Wastewater Treatment Plant | Steiermark, Austria

The Murau wastewater treatment plant is located in the town of Murau, in the state of Steiermark, Austria. It serves a population of around 12,741, classifying it as a medium agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated in the Mur River valley, a region known for its alpine environment and tourism. As a plant serving over 10,000 people, Murau is subject to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for all discharges from agglomerations of this size. The plant is expected to meet the directive's standards for biological treatment and nutrient removal where necessary to protect receiving waters. The treated effluent from the plant is discharged into the Mur River, which flows through the city and eventually joins the Drava River near Legrad, Croatia, and then the Danube, ultimately reaching the Black Sea. The Mur River supports diverse aquatic life and is an important corridor for fish migration in the region.

The plant discharges into the Mur River, a major tributary of the Drava and Danube river systems. The Mur River valley is ecologically sensitive, supporting diverse aquatic habitats and serving as a migratory route for fish species. Downstream, the river flows through Slovenia and Croatia before joining the Drava, which eventually reaches the Danube Delta and the Black Sea. The region's alpine climate and seasonal flow variations influence the river's assimilative capacity.