Puerto San Carlos Wastewater Treatment Plant - Baja California Sur, Mexico

Puerto San Carlos is a wastewater treatment plant located in the town of Puerto San Carlos, within the municipality of Comondú, Baja California Sur, Mexico. The plant serves a population of 2,738 and has a designed capacity of 2,332.80 cubic meters per day, with a current discharge volume of 259.20 cubic meters per day. It is situated near the Pacific coast, less than 10 kilometers from the shoreline. The plant operates with secondary treatment, which is the standard level required under Mexican regulations (NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996) for municipal wastewater before discharge into coastal waters. For a small agglomeration of this size, secondary treatment is appropriate to reduce organic matter and suspended solids. The plant's capacity utilization appears low, but the facility is designed to handle future growth. The treated effluent is discharged into the Pacific Ocean, likely via a coastal outfall. The surrounding region includes the Magdalena Bay complex, an ecologically important area that supports diverse marine life, including mangroves and migratory birds. Proper treatment is essential to protect the coastal ecosystem and maintain water quality for local fisheries and tourism.

The plant discharges into the Pacific Ocean near the Magdalena Bay region, a productive coastal ecosystem that supports mangroves, seagrasses, and diverse marine species. The bay serves as a critical habitat for migratory birds and marine life, including sea turtles and fish. Effective wastewater treatment is vital to prevent nutrient pollution and protect the ecological integrity of this coastal environment.