Overview
Albufeira Poente wastewater treatment plant serves 81,000 people in Albufeira, Portugal. Located near the coast in the Algarve region, it discharges into the Atlantic Ocean.
Albufeira Poente is a wastewater treatment plant located in Guia, Albufeira, in the Faro district of Portugal's Algarve region. It serves a population of 81,000, placing it in the medium-to-large agglomeration category under EU classification. The plant is situated near the coast, within 50 km of the Atlantic Ocean. As a Portuguese facility, Albufeira Poente operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size discharging into coastal waters. The directive also mandates more advanced treatment if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive areas. The plant's designed capacity is 1. The treated effluent from Albufeira Poente is discharged into the Atlantic Ocean via the coastal waters of the Algarve. This region is known for its tourism and marine biodiversity, including seagrass meadows and fish populations. Proper treatment is essential to protect water quality and support the local ecosystem, which includes important migratory corridors for marine species.
Environmental context
Albufeira Poente discharges treated wastewater into the Atlantic Ocean along the southern coast of Portugal. The Algarve coast features sandy beaches and rocky shores, supporting diverse marine life such as fish, crustaceans, and seabirds. The area is also a popular tourist destination, making water quality crucial for both ecological health and recreational use. The plant's location near the coast means effluent must meet stringent standards to prevent nutrient enrichment and protect sensitive marine habitats.
Frequently asked questions
Albufeira Poente is located in Guia, Albufeira, in the Faro district of Portugal's Algarve region. The address is Passagem Harakiri, Guia, Albufeira, Faro, 8201-864, Portugal.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Atlantic Ocean via coastal waters. As a coastal plant, it must comply with EU standards for marine discharge to protect water quality and marine ecosystems.
Albufeira Poente serves a population of 81,000 people, classifying it as a medium-to-large agglomeration under EU wastewater treatment regulations.
Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), plants serving over 10,000 people in coastal areas must provide at least secondary treatment. Albufeira Poente, serving 81,000, is subject to these requirements to prevent pollution in the Atlantic Ocean.
In Portugal, plants of this scale typically employ secondary treatment (biological treatment) as a minimum, with possible nutrient removal if discharging into sensitive areas. The EU directive sets the framework, and national regulations ensure compliance.
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