Overview
Yunnan wastewater treatment plant serves Kunming, Yunnan province, China, with a population equivalent of 390,000. The facility discharges into the local watershed, ultimately flowing into Dianchi Lake.
The Yunnan wastewater treatment plant is located in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province in southwestern China. It serves a population of approximately 390,000, placing it in the large agglomeration category. The plant is situated in the Panlong District, within the urban fabric of Kunming. China's wastewater treatment standards are governed by the Discharge Standard of Pollutants for Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant (GB 18918-2002), which sets pollutant limits based on the receiving water body's sensitivity. For large plants like this, advanced treatment (Class 1A or 1B) is typically required to protect downstream water quality. Facilities of this scale generally employ biological treatment with nutrient removal. The treated effluent from the plant is discharged into the local drainage system, which flows into Dianchi Lake, a large freshwater lake on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. Dianchi Lake is ecologically significant, supporting diverse aquatic life and serving as a critical water resource for the region. The lake ultimately drains into the Jinsha River, a tributary of the Yangtze River, making the plant's operations relevant to the broader Yangtze basin.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the local watershed that feeds Dianchi Lake, a large plateau lake in Yunnan. Dianchi Lake is a vital ecological resource, supporting diverse aquatic species and providing water for agriculture and industry. The lake's health is sensitive to nutrient inputs, and the plant's effluent quality directly affects the lake's trophic state. From Dianchi, water flows via the Tanglang River into the Jinsha River, a major tributary of the Yangtze River, linking local treatment to downstream ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in the Panlong District of Kunming, Yunnan province, China, at coordinates 25.064 N, 102.713 E.
The plant serves approximately 390,000 people, classifying it as a large agglomeration under Chinese wastewater regulations.
Treated effluent is discharged into the local drainage system, which flows into Dianchi Lake, a major freshwater lake in Yunnan.
The plant helps protect Dianchi Lake and its downstream river system, including the Tanglang River and the Jinsha River, a tributary of the Yangtze River.
The plant operates under China's GB 18918-2002 standard. For large plants serving over 100,000 people, Class 1A or 1B effluent limits are typically required to protect sensitive water bodies like Dianchi Lake.
Nearby plants