Overview
KOS wastewater treatment plant serves the city of Kos on the Greek island of Kos, Aegean Sea. It handles a population equivalent of 37,000 and is located within 50 km of the coast.
The KOS wastewater treatment plant is situated in the city of Kos on the island of Kos, part of the South Aegean region in Greece. The plant serves a population equivalent of 37,000, placing it in the medium agglomeration category under Greek and EU regulations. Its location near the coast and the popular tourist area of Psalidi underscores its importance for local environmental protection. 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. Greece has designated many coastal areas as sensitive, necessitating more advanced treatment to prevent eutrophication. The treated effluent is discharged into the Aegean Sea, a semi-enclosed sea with limited water exchange, making it vulnerable to nutrient pollution. The surrounding marine environment supports diverse aquatic life, including seagrass meadows and fish populations, and is an important migratory corridor for marine species. Proper treatment is critical to protect these ecosystems and the tourism-dependent local economy.
Environmental context
The KOS plant discharges into the Aegean Sea, a semi-enclosed basin connected to the Mediterranean. The coastal waters around Kos support seagrass meadows and diverse marine life, and are part of an important migratory corridor for species like sea turtles. Nutrient loading from wastewater can lead to eutrophication, harming these ecosystems. The plant's operation is vital for maintaining water quality in this ecologically sensitive area.
Frequently asked questions
The KOS plant is located in the city of Kos on the island of Kos, in the South Aegean region of Greece, near the Psalidi area.
The plant serves a population equivalent of 37,000, which includes residents and seasonal tourists on the island.
The treated effluent is discharged into the Aegean Sea, a semi-enclosed sea that requires careful management to prevent eutrophication and protect marine ecosystems.
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 15,000 population equivalent, with possible tertiary treatment in sensitive areas.
For medium agglomerations like Kos, Greek plants typically provide secondary biological treatment, and in coastal sensitive areas, additional nutrient removal may be required to meet EU standards.
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