Gachupines Wastewater Treatment Plant: Serving Ocampo, Guanajuato

Gachupines wastewater treatment plant is located in the town of Gachupines, within the municipality of Ocampo, Guanajuato, Mexico. The plant serves a small population of 851 residents, providing secondary treatment to municipal wastewater. It is situated inland, more than 10 km from the coast, and operates as part of the region's water infrastructure. The plant's designed capacity is 167.62 volume units, with a corresponding discharge volume, indicating it operates at full capacity. As a secondary treatment facility, it meets the standard level required for small communities in Mexico under the national water regulations (NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996). The plant does not have reported tertiary treatment, which is typical for plants of this scale in inland areas. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Lerma River basin, one of Mexico's most important hydrological systems. The Lerma River flows into Lake Chapala, the largest freshwater lake in Mexico, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing water for agriculture and human consumption. The plant's operation helps protect downstream water quality in this ecologically significant basin.

The plant discharges into the Lerma River basin, which flows into Lake Chapala, the largest freshwater lake in Mexico. This watershed supports a variety of aquatic species and provides critical water resources for the region. The secondary treatment helps reduce organic pollutants and nutrients, mitigating eutrophication risks in downstream water bodies. The area's semi-arid climate makes water quality management particularly important for maintaining ecosystem health and agricultural viability.