Overview
The IOANNINA wastewater treatment plant serves the city of Ioannina, Greece, with a population equivalent of 141,393. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations over 15,000 PE
The IOANNINA wastewater treatment plant is located in Perama, a suburb of Ioannina, in the Epirus region of northwestern Greece. It serves a population equivalent of 141,393, classifying it as a large agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated near Lake Pamvotida, a significant natural water body in the region. As a large agglomeration, the plant is required to meet the standards of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for all discharges from agglomerations over 15,000 PE. For discharges into sensitive areas, tertiary treatment may be required. The regulatory framework ensures appropriate treatment levels. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Ionian Sea via the Kalamas River. The plant plays a critical role in protecting Lake Pamvotida and downstream aquatic ecosystems from nutrient pollution and other contaminants, supporting biodiversity and water quality in the region.
Environmental context
The plant's receiving water body is Lake Pamvotida, a natural lake in the Ioannina basin. The lake drains via the Kalamas River into the Ionian Sea. The watershed supports diverse aquatic life and is an important ecological corridor. Nutrient loading from wastewater could impact the lake's trophic status, making effective treatment essential for maintaining water quality and ecosystem health.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Perama, a suburb of Ioannina, in the Epirus region of northwestern Greece.
The plant serves a population equivalent of 141,393, classifying it as a large agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated effluent is discharged into Lake Pamvotida, which drains via the Kalamas River into the Ionian Sea.
As a Greek plant serving over 15,000 PE, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment and, if discharging into sensitive areas, tertiary treatment.
For large agglomerations in Greece, the EU UWWTD mandates secondary treatment. Plants discharging into sensitive areas like lakes may require tertiary treatment to reduce nutrients.
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