GORDES Wastewater Treatment Plant, Gordes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

The GORDES wastewater treatment plant is located in the commune of Gordes, within the Vaucluse department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. It serves a population of approximately 2,000 residents and has a designed capacity of 4,000 cubic meters per day, with an average discharge volume of 356.8 cubic meters per day. The plant employs advanced treatment processes, which go beyond the secondary treatment required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for agglomerations of this size. Advanced treatment typically includes nutrient removal (nitrogen and phosphorus) to protect sensitive receiving waters. As a small agglomeration (under 10,000 population equivalent), the plant is subject to French national regulations transposing the EU directive, which mandate appropriate treatment based on the sensitivity of the receiving environment. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains toward the Mediterranean Sea via the Calavon River and the Durance River. The region is known for its karstic geology and sensitive aquatic ecosystems, making advanced treatment important for protecting downstream water quality and biodiversity.

The plant discharges into the Calavon River, a tributary of the Durance River, which flows into the Rhône River and eventually the Mediterranean Sea. The watershed supports diverse aquatic life and is part of a region with sensitive karstic aquifers. Advanced treatment helps minimize nutrient loading and protects downstream ecosystems, including the Camargue delta and coastal marine habitats.