ETE Irapua - Secondary Wastewater Treatment Plant in Irapuã, São Paulo, Brazil

ETE Irapua is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Irapuã, a city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The plant serves a population of approximately 6,034 residents, classifying it as a small to medium-sized facility within the region's sanitation infrastructure. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard level required under Brazilian regulations for communities of this size. Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids, ensuring the effluent meets basic quality standards before discharge. The treated wastewater is discharged into local water bodies that eventually drain into the Paraná River basin, one of South America's major river systems. The plant's proximity to the coast (within 10 km) means its discharge can influence downstream aquatic ecosystems, including the Rio Grande and eventually the Paraná River, which supports diverse aquatic life and is important for regional water supply.

The plant discharges into the Paraná River basin, which flows through southeastern Brazil and ultimately reaches the Río de la Plata estuary. The region's watershed supports diverse aquatic habitats and is used for agriculture, industry, and drinking water. The plant's coastal proximity (within 10 km) means its effluent can affect sensitive downstream ecosystems, including wetlands and riverine habitats that rely on good water quality.