Overview
Waterford City Wastewater TP serves County Kilkenny, Ireland, treating wastewater for approximately 47,666 people. The plant operates under Irish and EU regulations for urban wastewater treatment.
Waterford City Wastewater TP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in the IDA Science & Technology Park, Rathpatrick, in The Municipal District of Piltown, County Kilkenny, Ireland. The plant serves a population of approximately 47,666, placing it in the medium agglomeration category under EU classification. As an Irish wastewater treatment plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size discharging into freshwaters or estuaries. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in cubic meters per second or similar unit), indicating a significant treatment capability. The treated effluent is discharged into the local water environment, ultimately draining into the Barrow-Nore-Suir river system and then into Waterford Harbour, an important estuarine ecosystem. This area supports diverse aquatic life and is a key migratory corridor for fish species. The plant plays a vital role in protecting water quality in the region.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Barrow-Nore-Suir catchment, which flows into Waterford Harbour, a large estuary on Ireland's southeast coast. This estuary is ecologically sensitive, supporting diverse aquatic life including salmon and sea trout, and serves as an important migratory corridor. The harbour connects to the Celtic Sea, making the plant's treatment performance critical for both freshwater and marine environments.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at the IDA Science & Technology Park, Rathpatrick, in The Municipal District of Piltown, County Kilkenny, Ireland.
The plant serves approximately 47,666 people, classifying it as a medium agglomeration under EU standards.
The treated effluent is discharged into the Barrow-Nore-Suir river system, which flows into Waterford Harbour and eventually the Celtic Sea.
As an Irish plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations over 15,000 people discharging into freshwaters or estuaries.
Under the EU UWWTD, plants serving over 15,000 people in sensitive areas require tertiary treatment, while others require secondary treatment. Irish plants often implement secondary treatment with nutrient removal to protect sensitive estuarine environments like Waterford Harbour.
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