Szalafo Csorgoszer Wastewater Treatment Plant, Zalalövő, Hungary

Szalafo Csorgoszer is an advanced wastewater treatment plant located in Zalalövő, within the Nyugat-Dunántúl region of Hungary. The facility serves a small population of 43 residents, reflecting its role in a rural community. The plant's designed capacity is 60 m³/day, with an actual discharge volume of 5.07 m³/day, indicating ample headroom for current loads. As an advanced treatment facility, Szalafo Csorgoszer goes beyond the secondary treatment standard required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for agglomerations under 2,000 population equivalent. This level of treatment typically includes nutrient removal, which helps protect sensitive receiving waters. The plant's operation aligns with Hungarian national regulations that transpose EU directives. The treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that drain into the Zala River, which flows into Lake Balaton, Central Europe's largest lake. Lake Balaton is a ecologically sensitive water body that supports diverse aquatic life and is a major recreational resource. The advanced treatment at Szalafo Csorgoszer helps minimize nutrient loading, contributing to the lake's water quality preservation.

The plant's discharge enters local streams that feed the Zala River, which flows into Lake Balaton. Lake Balaton is a shallow, ecologically sensitive lake that supports diverse aquatic life and is an important migratory corridor for birds. Advanced treatment at this plant helps reduce nutrient inputs, which is critical for preventing eutrophication in the lake.