Heroes de Nacozari Wastewater Treatment Plant, Durango, Mexico

The Heroes de Nacozari wastewater treatment plant is located in the municipality of Durango, in the state of Durango, Mexico. It serves a small population of 913 residents, providing secondary treatment for municipal wastewater. The plant is an inland facility, situated away from coastal areas. The plant operates with secondary treatment, which is appropriate for its small scale. In Mexico, wastewater treatment plants are regulated under the National Water Law (Ley de Aguas Nacionales) and NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996, which sets discharge limits for pollutants. For small communities like Heroes de Nacozari, secondary treatment is typical to meet these standards. The treated effluent is discharged into local water bodies, contributing to the protection of the region's water resources. The plant's discharge volume of 86.40 m³/day and designed capacity of 129.60 m³/day indicate it operates below capacity, ensuring effective treatment. The surrounding environment benefits from reduced pollution loads, supporting local ecosystems and downstream water quality.

The plant discharges into the local watershed within the state of Durango, which is part of the larger Nazas-Aguanaval basin. This basin drains into the Laguna de Mayran and eventually the Rio Grande de Nazas, which flows into the Laguna de Viesca. The region is semi-arid, and water resources are critical for agriculture and local communities. The plant's secondary treatment helps reduce organic pollutants and suspended solids, protecting downstream aquatic life and water quality.