ALTORREAL Wastewater Treatment Plant, Molina de Segura, Región de Murcia, Spain

ALTORREAL is a wastewater treatment plant located in Molina de Segura, within the Vega Media del Segura comarca of the Región de Murcia, Spain. The facility was designed to serve a population equivalent of 2,759 and had a designed capacity of 9,000 cubic meters per day, indicating it was sized for a larger population than its actual service area. The plant provided advanced treatment, which goes beyond secondary treatment to remove nutrients and other pollutants. In Spain, advanced treatment is often required for discharges into sensitive areas under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). Although the plant is now closed, its advanced treatment level reflects the regulatory standards for protecting water quality in the region. It is located inland, more than 50 km from the coast. The Segura River basin is the primary hydrological feature of the area, and the plant likely discharged into a tributary or the river itself. The Segura River flows into the Mediterranean Sea via the Segura Delta, an ecologically important area for birdlife and aquatic habitats.

The plant is situated in the Segura River basin, which drains into the Mediterranean Sea. The Segura River supports diverse aquatic life and is an important agricultural water source. Downstream, the Segura Delta provides critical habitat for migratory birds and fish species. Advanced treatment helps minimize nutrient loading and protects these ecosystems.