ETE Matozinhos Wastewater Treatment Plant, Matozinhos, Minas Gerais

ETE Matozinhos is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in the Floresta district of Matozinhos, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The plant serves a population of about 14,074 people, placing it in the small-to-medium agglomeration category. It operates within the Região Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte, a densely populated urban region. As a Brazilian wastewater facility, ETE Matozinhos is subject to national regulations under CONAMA resolutions and state-level environmental licensing by the Minas Gerais environmental agency (FEAM). For agglomerations of this size, secondary treatment is typically required to meet effluent standards. The regulatory framework ensures compliance with discharge limits. The treated effluent from ETE Matozinhos ultimately drains into the Rio das Velhas, a major tributary of the São Francisco River. The Rio das Velhas basin is ecologically significant, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing water for downstream communities. The plant plays a key role in protecting water quality in this important watershed.

ETE Matozinhos discharges into local watercourses that flow into the Rio das Velhas, which in turn joins the São Francisco River. The São Francisco River is one of Brazil's most important waterways, supporting agriculture, industry, and biodiversity. The Rio das Velhas basin is home to several fish species and provides critical habitat. The plant's operation helps reduce nutrient and pathogen loads, protecting downstream ecosystems and water users.