Overview
Irapuato wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 488,000 people in Guanajuato, Mexico. The facility is located inland and discharges into the Lerma River basin, which flows toward the Pacific Ocean.
The Irapuato wastewater treatment plant is a major municipal facility serving the city of Irapuato in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. With a population served of around 488,000, it is classified as a large agglomeration under Mexican water management standards. The plant is situated in the central highlands of Mexico, an area characterized by semi-arid climate and significant industrial and agricultural activity. Mexican wastewater treatment plants of this scale are typically required to meet secondary treatment standards under the National Water Law (Ley de Aguas Nacionales) and NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996, which sets discharge limits for pollutants. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in cubic meters per second or similar unit), indicating substantial infrastructure to handle the city's wastewater. The treated effluent from the Irapuato plant ultimately flows into the Lerma River, one of Mexico's most important waterways. The Lerma River drains into Lake Chapala, Mexico's largest freshwater lake, and then continues to the Pacific Ocean via the Santiago River. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life and provides water for irrigation, industry, and drinking water for millions of people downstream.
Environmental context
The Irapuato plant discharges into the Lerma River basin, which is part of the larger Lerma-Chapala-Santiago watershed. This river system flows into Lake Chapala, a critical freshwater resource for the region, and eventually reaches the Pacific Ocean. The watershed supports a variety of fish species and migratory birds, and is ecologically sensitive due to water extraction and pollution pressures from urban and agricultural runoff.
Frequently asked questions
The Irapuato wastewater treatment plant is located in Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico, at Calle Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz in the Centro Historico area.
The plant serves approximately 488,000 people, making it a large municipal facility in the state of Guanajuato.
The treated effluent from the Irapuato plant is discharged into the Lerma River basin, which flows into Lake Chapala and eventually reaches the Pacific Ocean via the Santiago River.
The plant operates under Mexico's National Water Law and NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996, which set discharge limits for pollutants. Plants of this scale are expected to provide at least secondary treatment.
For a large agglomeration like Irapuato, secondary treatment is standard under Mexican regulations, with possible additional nutrient removal if the receiving water body is sensitive.
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