KALABAKA, Sarakina | Greece Wastewater

Overview

KALABAKA wastewater treatment plant serves the municipality of Meteora in Thessaly, Greece, with a population equivalent of 13,900. The plant discharges into local water bodies under EU regulatory oversight.

The KALABAKA wastewater treatment plant is located in Sarakina, within the Municipality of Meteora, Trikala regional unit, Thessaly, Greece. It serves a population equivalent of 13,900, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU standards. As a Greek facility, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations above 2,000 population equivalent and more stringent treatment for discharges into sensitive areas. The regulatory framework ensures compliance with national and EU standards. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Aegean Sea via the Pineios River basin. The region is known for the Meteora rock formations, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the plant plays a key role in protecting the local environment and downstream ecosystems.

Environmental context

The plant discharges into the Pineios River basin, which flows eastward into the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea. The receiving waters support diverse aquatic life and are important for regional agriculture and tourism. The Meteora area is ecologically sensitive due to its unique geological formations and biodiversity, making effective wastewater treatment critical for preserving water quality and downstream habitats.

Frequently asked questions

The KALABAKA wastewater treatment plant is located in Sarakina, within the Municipality of Meteora, Trikala regional unit, Thessaly, Greece.

The plant serves a population equivalent of 13,900, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU standards.

The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which drains into the Pineios River and ultimately the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea.

As a Greek facility, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations over 2,000 PE and more stringent treatment in sensitive areas.

For medium-sized agglomerations like KALABAKA, secondary treatment is standard under the EU UWWTD. If the receiving water is a sensitive area, tertiary treatment may be required to reduce nutrients.