Overview
Hattingen wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 85,000 people in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, ensuring compliance with secondary treatment standards.
The Hattingen wastewater treatment plant is located in the city of Hattingen, in the Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis district of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. It serves a population of about 85,295, placing it in the medium-to-large agglomeration category under EU regulations. The plant is situated along the Ruhr River, a key waterway in the region. As a German facility, the plant is subject to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. German federal and state regulations further require advanced treatment in sensitive areas, which may apply to the Ruhr basin. The plant's operational details, including specific treatment processes and capacity, are managed by the local water authority. The treated effluent is discharged into the Ruhr River, which flows westward through the Ruhr region and eventually joins the Rhine River near Duisburg. The Rhine then continues to the North Sea. The plant plays a critical role in protecting the Ruhr's water quality, supporting aquatic life and downstream ecosystems in one of Europe's most industrialized regions.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Ruhr River, a tributary of the Rhine, which ultimately drains into the North Sea. The Ruhr basin supports diverse aquatic habitats and is an important corridor for migratory fish. The region's industrial history places additional pressure on water quality, making effective treatment essential for ecological health.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Hattingen, in the Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis district of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, near the Ruhr River.
The plant serves approximately 85,295 people, classifying it as a medium-to-large agglomeration under EU regulations.
Treated wastewater is discharged into the Ruhr River, which flows into the Rhine and then to the North Sea.
The plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations over 15,000 population equivalent.
In Germany, plants of this scale typically provide at least secondary biological treatment, and often include nutrient removal to meet stringent water quality standards for sensitive areas like the Rhine basin.
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