QUINTO Wastewater Treatment Plant, Quinto, Aragón, Spain

The QUINTO wastewater treatment plant is located in the municipality of Quinto, in the province of Zaragoza, within the autonomous community of Aragón, Spain. This facility serves a small population of approximately 1,047 residents, reflecting its role in managing domestic wastewater for a rural community. The plant is situated near the Ebro River basin, which is the largest river in Spain by discharge volume. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard biological treatment required under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for agglomerations with a population equivalent (PE) between 2,000 and 10,000. Although the population served is below 2,000, the plant's secondary treatment level aligns with the directive's requirements for sensitive areas and ensures effective removal of organic matter and suspended solids. The designed capacity is 3,125 cubic meters per day, indicating the plant is sized for potential future growth or seasonal variations. The treated effluent is discharged into the local water system, ultimately flowing into the Ebro River. The Ebro River is a vital water resource for the region, supporting agriculture, industry, and ecosystems in the Ebro Delta, a biologically rich area that provides habitat for numerous bird species and aquatic life. The plant's operation contributes to protecting the river's water quality and the downstream environment.

The QUINTO plant discharges treated wastewater into the Ebro River basin, which flows through northeastern Spain and empties into the Mediterranean Sea via the Ebro Delta. The delta is an ecologically sensitive area that supports diverse aquatic life and serves as an important migratory corridor for birds. The plant's secondary treatment helps reduce nutrient and organic loads, mitigating the risk of eutrophication in the river and its delta.