Overview
UWWTP Samokov serves the Dragushinovo area of Samokov, Bulgaria, treating wastewater for approximately 23,932 people. The plant operates under Bulgaria's implementation of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
UWWTP Samokov is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Dragushinovo, near Samokov in Sofia Province, Bulgaria. It serves a population of approximately 23,932, placing it in the medium agglomeration category under EU classification. The plant is situated inland, more than 50 km from the coast, and discharges into the local watershed. As a Bulgarian facility, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. Bulgaria has transposed the directive into national law, and the plant is subject to regular monitoring and permitting by the relevant authorities. The regulatory framework ensures compliance with discharge standards. The plant's treated effluent enters the Iskar River basin, which flows northward to join the Danube River near Gigen. The Danube then discharges into the Black Sea via the Danube Delta. The Iskar River supports diverse aquatic life and is an important water resource for the region. The plant plays a key role in protecting downstream water quality and the broader Black Sea ecosystem.
Environmental context
UWWTP Samokov discharges into the Iskar River, a tributary of the Danube River. The Iskar River flows through the Balkan Mountains and supports a variety of fish species and riparian habitats. The Danube River, one of Europe's major waterways, ultimately reaches the Black Sea via the Danube Delta, a vast wetland of ecological importance. The plant's operations help reduce nutrient and pollutant loads, contributing to the health of downstream aquatic ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
UWWTP Samokov is located in Dragushinovo, near the town of Samokov, in Sofia Province, Bulgaria.
The plant serves approximately 23,932 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU standards.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Iskar River, which flows into the Danube River and ultimately reaches the Black Sea.
As a Bulgarian facility, UWWTP Samokov operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size.
Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, plants serving between 10,000 and 150,000 people are required to provide secondary treatment, which typically involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids.
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