Wildpoldsried Wastewater Treatment Plant, Haldenwang, Bavaria

The Wildpoldsried wastewater treatment plant is located in Haldenwang, within the Oberallgäu district of Bavaria, Germany. It serves a population of approximately 2,120 residents, classifying it as a small agglomeration under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). The plant operates with secondary treatment, which is the standard requirement for inland freshwater discharges under the directive. With a designed capacity of 2,600 m³/day and an average discharge volume of 536.52 m³/day, the plant operates well below its capacity. This suggests it is sized to accommodate future growth or seasonal variations. Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids. The treated effluent is discharged into a local watercourse that ultimately drains into the Danube River basin, which flows into the Black Sea. The plant's inland location, more than 50 km from the coast, means its discharge does not directly impact marine environments. The surrounding region is characterized by alpine foothills and agricultural land, making water quality protection important for local ecosystems and downstream communities.

The plant discharges into a tributary of the Iller River, which flows into the Danube and eventually reaches the Black Sea. The local watershed supports diverse aquatic life and is part of a region known for its sensitive alpine ecosystems. Protecting water quality here helps maintain ecological balance in the Danube basin, which is a critical migratory corridor for fish and supports numerous species.