ETE Aparecida SP Wastewater Treatment Plant, Aparecida, São Paulo, Brazil

ETE Aparecida SP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Aparecida, within the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The facility serves a population of around 22,079 people, placing it in the medium-agglomeration category for Brazilian sanitation infrastructure. Situated in the Vale do Paraíba region, the plant is part of the broader water management system for this urbanized area. As a Brazilian wastewater facility, ETE Aparecida SP is subject to federal regulations under CONAMA resolutions and state-level environmental licensing by CETESB. For agglomerations of this size, secondary treatment is typically required to meet effluent standards. The regulatory framework ensures compliance with discharge limits for organic matter and suspended solids. The treated wastewater from ETE Aparecida SP is discharged into local watercourses that ultimately drain into the Paraíba do Sul River, one of the most important rivers in southeastern Brazil. This river flows through the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais, providing water supply for millions of people and supporting diverse aquatic ecosystems. The plant's operation is critical for protecting downstream water quality in this densely populated and economically vital basin.

The plant discharges into the Paraíba do Sul River basin, which drains into the Atlantic Ocean near Campos dos Goytacazes. This river is a major source of drinking water for the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area and supports important fisheries and riparian habitats. The watershed faces pressures from urbanization, agriculture, and industrial activities, making effective wastewater treatment essential for maintaining water quality and ecological health.