Overview
MESSARIA THIRAS wastewater treatment plant serves the municipality of Thira on Santorini, Greece, with a designed capacity of 1.00 cubic meters per day. The plant supports a population of 14,700 and operates under Greek and EU wastewater regulations.
MESSARIA THIRAS is a wastewater treatment plant located in Perivolia, Agia Paraskevi, within the municipal unit of Thira on the island of Santorini, Greece. The plant serves a population of approximately 14,700 and has a designed capacity of 1.00 cubic meters per day, reflecting its role in managing municipal wastewater for this popular tourist destination. As a facility in Greece, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size (over 10,000 population equivalent). The directive also mandates more advanced treatment if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive areas, which is relevant for the Aegean Sea environment. The treated effluent from MESSARIA THIRAS is discharged into the surrounding environment, ultimately reaching the Aegean Sea. The plant plays a crucial role in protecting the coastal waters of Santorini, a region known for its tourism and marine biodiversity. Proper wastewater treatment helps prevent nutrient pollution and safeguards the ecological health of the caldera and surrounding marine habitats.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the local watershed on Santorini, an island in the Cyclades group of the Aegean Sea. The treated effluent eventually reaches the Aegean Sea, a semi-enclosed basin with limited water exchange, making it sensitive to nutrient enrichment. The surrounding marine environment supports diverse aquatic life, including seagrass meadows and fish populations, and is important for local fisheries and tourism. Effective wastewater treatment is essential to prevent eutrophication and maintain water quality in this ecologically sensitive coastal area.
Frequently asked questions
MESSARIA THIRAS is located in Perivolia, Agia Paraskevi, within the municipal unit of Thira on the island of Santorini, Greece. The address is in the region of South Aegean.
The plant serves a population of approximately 14,700 people, covering the municipal area of Thira on Santorini.
The treated effluent from MESSARIA THIRAS is discharged into the local environment, eventually reaching the Aegean Sea. The plant's discharge helps protect the coastal waters of Santorini.
As a Greek facility, MESSARIA THIRAS operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations over 10,000 population equivalent. National Greek regulations also apply.
Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, plants serving over 10,000 population equivalent typically require secondary treatment (biological treatment). In sensitive areas like the Aegean Sea, more advanced treatment may be needed to reduce nutrients.
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