Carreras Wastewater Treatment Plant, Tepehuanes, Durango, Mexico

Carreras is a wastewater treatment plant located in Tepehuanes, Durango, Mexico. It serves a small population of 365 people, reflecting its role in a rural or small community setting. The plant operates with secondary treatment, which is a standard biological process that removes organic matter and suspended solids. Under Mexico's national water regulations (NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996 and subsequent updates), secondary treatment is typically required for municipal wastewater to meet discharge standards. The plant's designed capacity of 129.60 units suggests it can handle peak flows, though current discharge volume is 34.56 units, indicating utilization below capacity. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Pacific Ocean via the Rio Grande de Santiago system. The surrounding region in Durango is characterized by semi-arid climate and mountainous terrain, making water quality management important for local ecosystems and downstream communities.

The plant discharges into the Rio Grande de Santiago basin, which flows westward through the Sierra Madre Occidental and eventually reaches the Pacific Ocean. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life and provides water for agriculture and human use in the region. The semi-arid climate means that maintaining water quality is critical for the health of the river ecosystem and downstream water users.