Overview
Galapagar Torrelodones wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 30,474 people in Galapagar, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
The Galapagar Torrelodones wastewater treatment plant is located in Galapagar, within the Comunidad de Madrid, Spain. It serves a population of around 30,474, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated inland, away from coastal areas, and its operations are part of the regional wastewater management infrastructure. Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), plants serving populations between 10,000 and 100,000 are required to provide secondary treatment as a minimum. For larger agglomerations or discharges to sensitive areas, tertiary treatment may be mandated. It is expected to comply with these EU standards. The treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that ultimately drain into the Tagus River basin, which flows westward through Spain and Portugal to the Atlantic Ocean. The plant plays a key role in protecting the local watershed from pollution, supporting aquatic life and downstream water quality.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Tagus River basin, one of the Iberian Peninsula's major river systems. The Tagus flows through central Spain and Portugal, supporting diverse aquatic ecosystems and providing water for agriculture and urban use. Downstream, the river reaches the Tagus Estuary near Lisbon, a vital habitat for migratory birds and fish species. The plant's operations help maintain water quality in this ecologically significant basin.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Galapagar, in the Comunidad de Madrid, Spain, at Calle de la Tejera, Fuente La Teja.
The plant serves approximately 30,474 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that are part of the Tagus River basin, eventually reaching the Atlantic Ocean.
As a Spanish plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size.
Under the EU directive, plants serving between 10,000 and 100,000 people must provide at least secondary treatment. In sensitive areas, tertiary treatment may be required.
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