Mexcaltitán Wastewater Treatment Plant, Mexcaltitán de Uribe, Nayarit

The Mexcaltitán wastewater treatment plant is located in the historic island town of Mexcaltitán de Uribe, within the municipality of Santiago Ixcuintla, Nayarit, Mexico. This small-scale facility serves a population of approximately 575 residents, reflecting the intimate scale of this unique coastal community. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard biological treatment required under Mexican water quality regulations (NOM-001-SEMARNAT) for municipal wastewater. With a designed capacity of 172.80 cubic meters per day and a discharge volume of 86.40 cubic meters per day, the plant operates at about 50% of its design capacity, indicating room for future growth or seasonal variations. Treated effluent is discharged into the surrounding coastal environment, which is part of the Marismas Nacionales biosphere region, one of Mexico's most important wetland ecosystems. This area supports diverse aquatic life and serves as a critical migratory corridor for birds. The plant's coastal location means its discharge directly influences the sensitive estuarine and marine habitats of the Pacific coast.

The plant discharges into the coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean near the Marismas Nacionales, a vast wetland complex that supports mangroves, fish, and migratory birds. This region is ecologically sensitive due to its role in nutrient cycling and as a nursery for marine species. The receiving waters ultimately drain into the Pacific Ocean, making proper treatment essential to protect both local biodiversity and downstream marine ecosystems.