Agua de La Virgen Wastewater Treatment Plant, Ixtlahuacán, Colima

Agua de La Virgen wastewater treatment plant is located in the town of Agua de la Virgen, within the municipality of Ixtlahuacán, Colima, Mexico. The facility serves a small population of 185 residents, reflecting its role in a rural or semi-rural community. The plant is situated inland, away from coastal zones, and operates under Mexico's national water quality regulations. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard biological treatment process that removes organic matter and suspended solids. It has a designed capacity of 172.80 cubic meters per day and currently treats 60.48 cubic meters per day, indicating significant spare capacity. As a small-scale facility, it is subject to Mexican Official Standards (NOMs) for wastewater discharge, which set limits on pollutants to protect water bodies. The treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that ultimately drain into the Pacific Ocean via the region's river systems. The surrounding area is characterized by agricultural and natural landscapes, and the plant's operation helps maintain water quality in local streams and groundwater, supporting both human use and aquatic ecosystems.

The plant discharges into local streams that are part of the Armería River basin, which flows into the Pacific Ocean. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life and is used for irrigation and domestic purposes downstream. The region's tropical climate and seasonal rainfall influence flow patterns, making consistent treatment important for preventing pollution during dry periods.