DEPURATORE DI ANDALO - Andalo Wastewater Treatment Plant, Trentino-Alto Adige

DEPURATORE DI ANDALO is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Andalo, a town in the Trentino-Alto Adige region of northern Italy. Situated in the Paganella mountain area, the plant serves a population of about 7,768 people, reflecting the scale of a small Alpine community. The facility is part of Italy's wastewater infrastructure, which operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). This directive requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size, with more stringent tertiary treatment if the receiving waters are sensitive. The plant's location in a mountainous region suggests it handles variable flows from seasonal tourism. The plant discharges treated effluent into local watercourses that ultimately feed into the Adige River basin. The Adige River flows south through Trentino and Veneto before entering the Adriatic Sea near Chioggia. The Alpine watershed is ecologically sensitive, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing drinking water for downstream communities. Proper treatment is essential to protect these cold-water ecosystems from nutrient pollution and pathogens. As a small to medium agglomeration under EU classification, the plant is expected to meet secondary treatment standards. The regulatory framework ensures that even smaller plants in sensitive areas achieve adequate removal of organic matter and nutrients. The facility's performance contributes to the overall health of the Adige basin, which is important for agriculture, tourism, and biodiversity in the region.

The plant discharges into streams that drain into the Adige River, one of Italy's major rivers, which flows into the Adriatic Sea. The watershed includes Alpine lakes and rivers that support cold-water fish species and provide habitat for migratory birds. The region is known for its pristine mountain environment, and maintaining water quality is critical for tourism and local ecosystems.