Suaqui Wastewater Treatment Plant, Baviácora, Sonora, Mexico

Suaqui wastewater treatment plant is located in the rural community of Suaqui, within the municipality of Baviácora, Sonora, Mexico. The plant serves a small population of 137 residents, reflecting its role in a sparsely populated area. It operates as a secondary treatment facility, which is a standard level for small communities in Mexico. The plant has a designed capacity of 15.55 cubic meters per day and currently discharges 12.96 cubic meters per day of treated wastewater. Under Mexican regulations (NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996), secondary treatment is required for discharges into national waters, ensuring that effluent meets quality standards for suspended solids and biochemical oxygen demand. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Sonora River basin. This river system supports agricultural activities and provides water for downstream communities. Proper treatment helps protect water quality in this arid region of Sonora, where water resources are scarce and ecologically sensitive.

The plant discharges into the Sonora River basin, which flows through the Sonoran Desert and eventually reaches the Gulf of California. This arid region relies heavily on surface water for irrigation and domestic use. The treated effluent contributes to maintaining base flows in the river, supporting riparian habitats and downstream agricultural water supplies.