Chahue Wastewater Treatment Plant, Cuapinolito (Azulillo), Oaxaca, Mexico

Chahue is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Cuapinolito (Azulillo), a locality within Santa María Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico. The plant serves a population of approximately 23,933 people, placing it in the medium agglomeration category. Its coastal proximity influences its operational and environmental considerations. As a Mexican wastewater facility, Chahue operates under the national regulatory framework established by the Ley de Aguas Nacionales and NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996, which sets discharge standards for pollutants into national waters. The plant's treated effluent ultimately drains into the Pacific Ocean via local streams and coastal waters. The region is part of the Oaxaca coast, known for its tourism and ecological importance, including nearby bays and coral formations. Proper wastewater treatment is critical to protect marine ecosystems and support the local economy dependent on coastal tourism.

Chahue plant discharges into the Pacific Ocean via local drainage systems in the Huatulco region. The receiving waters include coastal bays and estuaries that support diverse marine life, including coral reefs and mangrove ecosystems. These habitats are sensitive to nutrient pollution and pathogens, making effective wastewater treatment essential for maintaining water quality and biodiversity along the Oaxaca coast.