Overview
Zaragoza wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 48,000 people in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. The facility operates under Mexico's national water regulations for municipal wastewater.
Zaragoza is a wastewater treatment plant located in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, serving an estimated population of 48,146. The plant is situated in an arid region near the US-Mexico border, where water resources are critically managed. As part of Mexicali's municipal infrastructure, it handles domestic wastewater from the surrounding urban area. Under Mexico's federal water law (Ley de Aguas Nacionales) and NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996 standards, municipal wastewater treatment plants are required to meet discharge limits for organic matter, solids, and pathogens. For a plant serving a medium-sized agglomeration like Zaragoza, secondary treatment is typically expected to comply with these regulations. The treated effluent from Zaragoza likely discharges into the Colorado River basin or local irrigation canals, as Mexicali lies within the Colorado River delta region. This water eventually reaches the Gulf of California, supporting agricultural and ecological systems. The plant plays a role in protecting downstream water quality in a water-scarce environment.
Environmental context
Zaragoza plant is located in the Colorado River basin, which drains into the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez). The region is ecologically sensitive due to limited water availability and supports diverse aquatic life in the delta and estuary. Proper treatment is essential to prevent nutrient and pathogen loading into this arid watershed, which is also used for agricultural irrigation.
Frequently asked questions
The Zaragoza plant is located in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, on Calle Guillermo Prieto. It serves the urban area of Mexicali near the US-Mexico border.
The plant serves approximately 48,146 people, classifying it as a medium-sized municipal wastewater treatment facility.
The treated effluent likely discharges into the Colorado River basin or local irrigation canals, eventually reaching the Gulf of California.
The plant operates under Mexico's Ley de Aguas Nacionales and NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996, which set discharge limits for municipal wastewater. These regulations require treatment to protect water quality in receiving water bodies.
For a medium-sized agglomeration in Mexico, secondary treatment is typical to meet NOM-001 standards. This usually involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and solids before discharge.
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