Rinconada Palmira Wastewater Treatment Plant, Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico

Rinconada Palmira is a wastewater treatment facility located in Jiutepec, within the state of Morelos, Mexico. The plant serves a population of approximately 2,738 residents, making it a small-scale municipal treatment facility. It is situated in an inland area, away from coastal zones, and operates under Mexico's national water quality regulations. The plant provides secondary treatment, which typically involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids. With a designed capacity of 345.60 cubic meters per day and an actual discharge volume of 259.20 cubic meters per day, the facility operates below its full capacity. As a small agglomeration, it is subject to Mexican Official Standards (NOMs) for wastewater discharge, which set limits on pollutants to protect water bodies. The treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that ultimately drain into the Balsas River basin, one of Mexico's major hydrological systems. This basin supports diverse aquatic life and provides water for agriculture and communities downstream. Proper treatment at Rinconada Palmira helps maintain water quality in the region's rivers and contributes to the ecological health of the Balsas watershed.

The plant discharges into local streams that are part of the Balsas River basin, which flows into the Pacific Ocean. The Balsas River is a critical water source for central Mexico, supporting irrigation, industry, and biodiversity. The region's semi-arid climate makes water quality management essential for sustaining aquatic habitats and downstream communities. Secondary treatment reduces organic pollutants, helping to prevent eutrophication and protect fish populations in the river system.