Tecoripa Wastewater Treatment Plant, Sonora, Mexico

Tecoripa is a secondary-level wastewater treatment plant located in the town of Tecoripa, within the municipality of La Colorada, Sonora, Mexico. The facility serves a small population of 478 residents, reflecting its role in a rural community. Its designed capacity is 184.03 cubic meters per day, with an actual discharge volume of 101.09 cubic meters per day. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard biological process required for municipal wastewater in Mexico under the National Water Law (Ley de Aguas Nacionales) and NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996, which sets discharge limits for pollutants. For small communities like Tecoripa, secondary treatment is typically sufficient to meet environmental standards. The treated effluent is likely discharged into a local arroyo or stream that feeds into the Yaqui River basin, which flows into the Gulf of California. This region is ecologically sensitive due to its arid climate and reliance on groundwater and surface water for agriculture and biodiversity. Proper treatment helps protect downstream water quality and aquatic life.

The plant's discharge enters the local drainage network within the Yaqui River basin, which ultimately reaches the Gulf of California. This semi-arid region supports riparian habitats and is important for migratory birds. Effective secondary treatment reduces organic load and pathogens, safeguarding the downstream ecosystem and water resources used for irrigation.