ORIHUELA Wastewater Treatment Plant, Orihuela, Comunitat Valenciana, Spain

The ORIHUELA wastewater treatment plant is located in Orihuela, within the Comunitat Valenciana region of Spain. It serves a population of 108,697, classifying it as a large agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated along the Segura River corridor, playing a key role in the region's water management infrastructure. As a large agglomeration, the plant is subject to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment as a minimum and tertiary treatment in sensitive areas. The Segura River basin is designated as a sensitive area due to eutrophication risks, necessitating advanced treatment to reduce nutrient loads. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in cubic meters per day or similar unit), indicating its scale. The treated effluent is discharged into the Segura River, which flows through the Vega Baja region and ultimately reaches the Mediterranean Sea near Guardamar del Segura. The river supports irrigated agriculture and diverse aquatic habitats, making the plant's treatment performance critical for downstream water quality and ecosystem health.

The Segura River flows through southeastern Spain, supporting intensive agriculture and urban areas before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. The river's lower basin, where Orihuela is located, is ecologically sensitive due to high nutrient loads and water scarcity. The treatment plant's discharge contributes to the river's flow, and effective nutrient removal is essential to prevent eutrophication in the coastal lagoon and marine environment. The region's semi-arid climate amplifies the importance of maintaining water quality for both human use and aquatic life.