Emiliano Zapata Wastewater Treatment Plant, Corral del Risco, Nayarit

The Emiliano Zapata wastewater treatment plant is located in Corral del Risco, within the municipality of Bahía de Banderas, Nayarit, Mexico. It serves a population of approximately 3,709 residents, making it a small-scale municipal facility. The plant is situated near the Pacific coast, highlighting its role in managing wastewater in a coastal tourism region. As a Mexican wastewater facility, the plant operates under the national regulatory framework, which includes the Ley de Aguas Nacionales and NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996 standards for wastewater discharge. For small agglomerations like this, secondary treatment is typically required to reduce organic matter and suspended solids before discharge. The regulatory context ensures compliance with environmental standards. The plant's discharge ultimately reaches the Pacific Ocean via local drainage, likely through the Bahía de Banderas watershed. This coastal environment supports diverse marine life and is important for local fisheries and tourism. Proper treatment helps prevent nutrient pollution and protects the ecological health of the bay and adjacent coastal waters.

The plant's treated effluent flows into the Bahía de Banderas watershed, which drains into the Pacific Ocean. This coastal bay is ecologically significant, supporting mangrove forests, sea turtle nesting sites, and a variety of marine species. The region's tourism-driven economy depends on clean coastal waters, making effective wastewater treatment critical for preserving water quality and ecosystem health.