Santa Maria Rayon Wastewater Treatment Plant - Estado de Mexico, Mexico

The Santa Maria Rayon wastewater treatment plant is located in the municipality of Rayon, Estado de Mexico, Mexico. It serves a population of approximately 3,861 residents, classifying it as a small-scale facility. The plant is situated in an inland area, away from coastal zones, and treats domestic wastewater from the local community. The plant operates with secondary treatment, which is the standard biological treatment required under Mexican regulations (NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996) for municipal wastewater. Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids. The plant has a designed capacity of 2,764.80 cubic meters per day and currently discharges 365.47 cubic meters per day, indicating it operates well below its capacity. The treated effluent is discharged into local water bodies that eventually drain into the Lerma River basin, which flows into Lake Chapala, Mexico's largest freshwater lake. The plant plays a crucial role in protecting downstream water quality and supporting the ecological health of the Lerma-Chapala watershed, which is vital for agriculture, biodiversity, and water supply in central Mexico.

The plant discharges into the Lerma River basin, which flows into Lake Chapala, the largest freshwater lake in Mexico. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life and provides water for irrigation and human consumption. The region faces challenges from agricultural runoff and urban pollution, making the plant's secondary treatment important for reducing organic loads and protecting downstream ecosystems.