Rathenow Wastewater Treatment Plant, Brandenburg, Germany

The Rathenow wastewater treatment plant is located in the city of Rathenow, in the state of Brandenburg, Germany. It serves a population of approximately 33,551, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated near the Havel River, which flows through the region and ultimately drains into the Elbe River and the North Sea. As a German facility, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations with a population equivalent (PE) between 10,000 and 150,000. For larger agglomerations or those discharging into sensitive areas, tertiary treatment may be required. The plant is expected to meet the directive's standards for effluent quality. The treated wastewater from the plant is discharged into the local water system, which feeds into the Havel River. The Havel is a significant tributary of the Elbe, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing water for agriculture and recreation. The plant plays a crucial role in protecting the water quality of the Havel and downstream ecosystems, including the Elbe estuary and the North Sea.

The Rathenow plant discharges into the Havel River, a major tributary of the Elbe River, which flows into the North Sea. The Havel basin supports a variety of aquatic habitats and is important for migratory fish species. The plant's operations help maintain water quality in this ecologically sensitive river system, which is subject to EU water quality standards.