Gomez Palacio Wastewater Treatment Plant - Gómez Palacio, Durango, Mexico

The Gomez Palacio wastewater treatment plant is a major municipal facility serving the city of Gómez Palacio in the state of Durango, Mexico. With a population served of approximately 363,149, it is a large-scale plant critical to the region's sanitation infrastructure. The plant is located in the arid northern region of Mexico, where water resources are scarce and treatment is essential for public health and environmental protection. As a large agglomeration in Mexico, the plant is subject to national wastewater discharge standards (NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996 and subsequent updates), which set limits on pollutants such as biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, and pathogens. The designed capacity is reported as 1. Plants of this scale typically employ secondary or advanced treatment to meet regulatory requirements. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the local hydrological system, which ultimately drains into the Nazas River basin. The Nazas River is a vital water source for the region, supporting agriculture and ecosystems in the arid landscape. Proper treatment helps protect downstream water quality and the ecological health of the river and its associated reservoirs, such as the Francisco Zarco Dam (Lago de las Auras). The plant plays a key role in safeguarding public health and the environment in the Comarca Lagunera region.

The plant discharges into the Nazas River basin, which flows through the arid Comarca Lagunera region of northern Mexico. The Nazas River is a critical water source for irrigation and supports diverse aquatic and riparian habitats. Downstream, the river feeds the Francisco Zarco Dam, a reservoir that provides water for agriculture and municipal use. The region's semi-desert climate makes water quality management particularly important for sustaining local ecosystems and human activities.