Estapilla Wastewater Treatment Plant, Colima, Mexico

Estapilla wastewater treatment plant is located in the town of Estapilla, within the municipality of Colima, Colima, Mexico. The facility serves a small population of 384 residents, reflecting its role in a rural or small community setting. The plant is situated inland, away from coastal zones, and operates as part of the local municipal wastewater infrastructure. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard biological treatment process that removes organic matter and suspended solids. With a designed capacity of 172.80 m³/day and a discharge volume matching that figure, the facility operates at full capacity. Under Mexican environmental law (NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996 and subsequent updates), secondary treatment is required for discharges to national waters, ensuring compliance with national water quality standards. The treated effluent is discharged into local water bodies that ultimately drain into the Pacific Ocean via the Armería River basin. The plant's operation helps protect downstream aquatic ecosystems and supports water quality in the region, which is characterized by agricultural and small urban land uses. Proper treatment reduces nutrient and pathogen loads, safeguarding both human health and the environment.

The plant discharges into local streams that flow into the Armería River, which drains into the Pacific Ocean near the coast of Colima. The downstream environment supports diverse aquatic life and is important for local fisheries and agriculture. The region's seasonal rainfall patterns influence flow rates, making consistent treatment essential to prevent pollution during dry periods.