Elche de la Sierra Wastewater Treatment Plant | Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

The Elche de la Sierra wastewater treatment plant is located in the municipality of Elche de la Sierra, in the province of Albacete, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. It serves a population of approximately 7,873 residents, classifying it as a small to medium agglomeration under Spanish wastewater regulations. The plant employs advanced treatment processes, which go beyond the secondary treatment required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for agglomerations of this size. This level of treatment is particularly important in sensitive areas, helping to reduce nutrient loads and protect downstream water bodies. The treated effluent is discharged into the Segura River basin, which flows through southeastern Spain before reaching the Mediterranean Sea. The plant plays a key role in preserving the ecological health of the Segura River, supporting aquatic life and downstream water quality in a region that faces water scarcity challenges.

The plant discharges into the Segura River basin, a watercourse that traverses the arid landscapes of southeastern Spain and ultimately drains into the Mediterranean Sea. The Segura River supports diverse aquatic ecosystems and is an important resource for irrigation and drinking water in the region. Advanced treatment at this plant helps mitigate nutrient pollution, which is critical for preventing eutrophication in the river and its receiving coastal waters.