Carácuaro Wastewater Treatment Plant, Michoacán, Mexico

The Carácuaro wastewater treatment plant is located in Carácuaro, Michoacán, Mexico, serving a population of approximately 5,124. The facility provides secondary treatment, a standard level for communities of this size in Mexico, ensuring removal of organic matter and suspended solids before discharge. With a designed capacity of 864 cubic meters per day and a similar discharge volume, the plant operates under Mexico's national water regulations (NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996), which set effluent quality standards for wastewater discharged into national waters. Secondary treatment is typical for small to medium agglomerations in Mexico, meeting basic environmental protection requirements. The treated effluent is discharged into local water bodies that drain into the Balsas River basin, one of Mexico's major hydrological regions. The Balsas River flows southwest to the Pacific Ocean, supporting diverse aquatic ecosystems and agricultural communities along its course. Proper treatment at Carácuaro helps protect downstream water quality and ecological health.

The plant discharges into the Balsas River basin, which drains into the Pacific Ocean via the Balsas River. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life and provides water for irrigation and domestic use in Michoacán. Secondary treatment reduces organic pollution, helping maintain ecological balance in the river system and preventing eutrophication in downstream coastal areas.