Overview
Karlovassi wastewater treatment plant serves the municipal unit of Karlovasi on Samos, Greece, with a designed capacity of 1.00 m³/day and a population of 9,746. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
The Karlovassi wastewater treatment plant is located in the municipal unit of Karlovasi on the island of Samos, in the North Aegean region of Greece. It serves a population of approximately 9,746 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated near the coast, reflecting the island's geography and the need to protect the surrounding marine environment. As a Greek facility, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size discharging into coastal waters. The regulatory framework ensures that the plant meets standards for organic matter and nutrient removal to safeguard water quality. The treated effluent is discharged into the Aegean Sea, a sensitive marine ecosystem that supports diverse aquatic life and is important for tourism and fisheries. The plant plays a key role in preventing pollution of the coastal waters around Samos, contributing to the ecological health of the eastern Aegean region.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Aegean Sea, a semi-enclosed sea with limited water exchange, making it sensitive to nutrient pollution. The surrounding watershed includes the island of Samos, characterized by Mediterranean climate and steep terrain. The effluent enters coastal waters that support seagrass meadows and fish nurseries, requiring effective treatment to prevent eutrophication and protect marine biodiversity.
Frequently asked questions
The Karlovassi wastewater treatment plant is located in the municipal unit of Karlovasi on the island of Samos, in the North Aegean region of Greece.
The plant serves a population of 9,746 people, making it a medium-sized agglomeration under EU classification.
The treated wastewater is discharged into the Aegean Sea, as the plant is located within 50 km of the coast. The discharge is regulated under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive to protect marine water quality.
As a Greek facility, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size discharging into coastal waters.
For medium-sized agglomerations (10,000-150,000 PE) in Greece, the EU directive requires secondary treatment, including biological treatment and nutrient removal where necessary to protect sensitive coastal areas.
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