CASARES Wastewater Treatment Plant, Casares, Andalucía, Spain

The CASARES wastewater treatment plant is located in Casares, a municipality in the province of Málaga, Andalucía, southern Spain. The plant serves a population of approximately 3,618 and operates with secondary treatment, which is the standard level required under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for agglomerations of this size. The plant has a designed capacity of 3,144.00 m³/day and currently treats an average daily flow of 655.75 m³/day. As a coastal facility within 10 km of the Mediterranean Sea, the plant's discharge is subject to stringent regulatory oversight to protect marine water quality. Under the EU UWWTD, secondary treatment is mandatory for freshwater and estuarine discharges from agglomerations above 2,000 population equivalent, and for coastal discharges above 10,000 PE. Although Casares falls below the coastal threshold, the plant's secondary treatment aligns with best practices for sensitive coastal areas. The treated effluent from CASARES is discharged into the local hydrological network, which ultimately drains into the Mediterranean Sea along the Costa del Sol. This region is ecologically sensitive, supporting diverse marine life and important coastal habitats. The plant plays a key role in preventing nutrient pollution and safeguarding the recreational and ecological value of nearby beaches and marine ecosystems.

The CASARES plant discharges treated wastewater into local watercourses that flow into the Mediterranean Sea along the Costa del Sol. This coastal area supports seagrass meadows, fish nurseries, and migratory bird routes. The region's warm climate and tourism-driven economy make water quality protection essential for both ecological health and human use. The plant's secondary treatment reduces organic load and suspended solids, helping to maintain the ecological balance of the receiving marine environment.