El Barranco Wastewater Treatment Plant, Aguascalientes, Mexico

El Barranco is a wastewater treatment plant located in the town of El Barranco, within the municipality of Tepezalá, Aguascalientes, Mexico. The plant serves a small population of approximately 1,004 residents, reflecting its role in a rural or semi-urban setting. It operates under Mexico's national water regulations, which set standards for wastewater treatment and discharge. The plant provides secondary treatment, a standard level for municipal wastewater that removes organic matter and suspended solids. It has a designed capacity of 86.40 m³/day and currently handles a discharge volume of 95.04 m³/day, indicating operation near or slightly above its intended capacity. Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes such as activated sludge or trickling filters. The treated effluent is discharged into a local water body, likely a stream or arroyo that drains into the larger hydrological network of the Aguascalientes region. This area is part of the Lerma-Santiago-Pacific basin, which ultimately flows into the Pacific Ocean. The plant's operation helps protect local water quality and supports the ecological health of downstream environments, including agricultural and natural habitats.

The plant discharges into a local watercourse that is part of the Lerma-Santiago-Pacific basin, which drains into the Pacific Ocean via the Santiago River and the Grande de Santiago River. The region's semi-arid climate means water resources are limited, making the plant's role in maintaining water quality critical for downstream agricultural use and ecosystem health. The receiving water body supports a variety of aquatic life and serves as a water source for nearby communities.