Melchor Ocampo Wastewater Treatment Plant, Sinaloa, Mexico

The Melchor Ocampo wastewater treatment plant is located in the town of Melchor Ocampo, within the municipality of Mocorito, Sinaloa, Mexico. It serves a population of approximately 3,103 residents, classifying it as a small-scale municipal facility. The plant is situated near the Pacific coast, less than 10 kilometers inland. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard biological treatment stage required under Mexican regulations (NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996) for municipal wastewater. With a designed capacity of 362.88 cubic meters per day and an actual discharge volume of 293.76 cubic meters per day, the facility operates at about 81% capacity. This treatment level ensures removal of organic matter and suspended solids before discharge. The treated effluent is discharged into local waterways that ultimately drain into the Pacific Ocean. The coastal environment in this region supports diverse marine life and is important for local fisheries. Proper wastewater treatment helps protect downstream water quality and coastal ecosystems from nutrient pollution and pathogens.

The plant discharges into local streams that flow toward the Pacific coast of Sinaloa. This coastal region supports mangrove estuaries and important fishery habitats. Effective secondary treatment reduces organic load and pathogens, protecting downstream water quality and marine biodiversity in the Gulf of California watershed.