ETE CACU Wastewater Treatment Plant, Cachoeira Alta, Goiás, Brazil

ETE CACU is a wastewater treatment plant located in Cachoeira Alta, a municipality in the state of Goiás, Brazil. The plant serves a population of about 11,110 residents, placing it in the small to medium agglomeration category. It is situated in the Central-West region of Brazil, an area characterized by tropical climate and agricultural activity. As a Brazilian wastewater facility, ETE CACU operates under the national regulatory framework established by the National Environment Council (CONAMA) and the Ministry of Cities. For agglomerations of this size, secondary treatment is typically required to reduce organic load and suspended solids. It is expected to meet the standards set by Brazilian environmental legislation. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into local water bodies that are part of the Paraná River basin, one of the major river systems in South America. The receiving waters eventually flow into the Paraná River and then to the Río de la Plata estuary. The surrounding region includes the Cerrado biome, a biodiversity hotspot, making proper wastewater treatment essential for protecting aquatic ecosystems and downstream water quality.

ETE CACU discharges into local streams that are tributaries of the Paraná River basin. The Paraná River flows southward through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, ultimately reaching the Río de la Plata estuary. The Cerrado biome surrounding Cachoeira Alta is a savanna ecosystem with high biodiversity, and the local watershed supports diverse aquatic life. Proper treatment helps prevent nutrient pollution and protects downstream water bodies from eutrophication.