Overview
Hermosillo wastewater treatment plant serves over 270,000 people in Sonora, Mexico. It operates under Mexican water quality regulations (NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996) for discharge into the Gulf of California watershed.
The Hermosillo wastewater treatment plant is a major municipal facility located in the city of Hermosillo, the capital of Sonora, Mexico. Serving a population of approximately 272,547, it is a key component of the region's sanitation infrastructure, handling wastewater from a significant urban agglomeration in northwestern Mexico. As a large-scale plant in Mexico, it is subject to the national water discharge standard NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996, which sets maximum permissible limits for pollutants in wastewater discharged into national waters. The plant's treated effluent ultimately flows into the Gulf of California via the Sonora River basin. The Gulf of California is a biodiverse marine ecosystem supporting fisheries, migratory species, and unique habitats. Effective wastewater treatment is critical to protect water quality in this ecologically sensitive region, which faces pressures from agriculture, mining, and urban development.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Sonora River basin, which drains into the Gulf of California, a semi-enclosed sea known for its high biodiversity and productivity. This marine environment supports commercially important fisheries and is a critical habitat for marine mammals, sea turtles, and migratory birds. Maintaining low nutrient and contaminant loads from wastewater is essential to prevent eutrophication and protect the ecological health of the gulf.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at Retorno 104, Modelo, Hermosillo, Sonora, 83001, Mexico, serving the city of Hermosillo.
The plant serves approximately 272,547 people, making it a large-scale municipal facility in Sonora.
The plant discharges into the Sonora River basin, which flows into the Gulf of California, a major marine ecosystem.
The plant operates under Mexico's NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996 standard, which sets pollutant limits for wastewater discharge into national waters.
For large agglomerations in Mexico, secondary treatment is typically required to meet NOM-001 standards, ensuring adequate removal of organic matter and solids.
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