Overview
Pozo Cañada wastewater treatment plant serves the town of Pozo Cañada in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain, providing secondary treatment for a population of 4,462.
The Pozo Cañada wastewater treatment plant is located in the municipality of Pozo Cañada, in the province of Albacete, within the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. It serves a population of approximately 4,462 residents, classifying it as a small agglomeration under Spanish and EU regulations. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the minimum required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for freshwater discharges from agglomerations of this size. The directive mandates secondary treatment for all discharges from agglomerations above 2,000 population equivalent, ensuring organic matter and suspended solids are substantially reduced. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Segura River basin. This region is semi-arid, making water quality management critical for downstream ecosystems and agricultural reuse. The plant's operation helps protect local watercourses from nutrient pollution and supports the ecological health of the Segura River system.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Segura River basin, a water-stressed region in southeastern Spain. The Segura River flows into the Mediterranean Sea via the Mar Menor coastal lagoon, a sensitive ecosystem. Effective wastewater treatment is vital to prevent eutrophication and protect biodiversity in this semi-arid environment.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Pozo Cañada, a municipality in the province of Albacete, within the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain.
The plant serves approximately 4,462 residents, classifying it as a small agglomeration under EU wastewater regulations.
The plant provides secondary treatment, which removes organic matter and suspended solids, meeting the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive requirements for its size.
Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), agglomerations above 2,000 population equivalent must have secondary treatment. The Pozo Cañada plant complies with this requirement.
The plant protects the Segura River basin, a water-scarce region, by reducing pollution before discharge. This helps safeguard downstream ecosystems and supports water quality for potential reuse.
Nearby plants