Riudoms Wastewater Treatment Plant, Catalunya, Spain

The Riudoms wastewater treatment plant is located in the Baix Camp region of Tarragona, Catalunya, Spain. Serving a population of approximately 4,736, this facility is part of the municipal infrastructure for the town of Riudoms. The plant is situated near the Mediterranean coast, within 10 km of the shoreline, which influences its operational and environmental considerations. The plant provides secondary treatment, a standard level required under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for agglomerations of this size. With a designed capacity of 8,330 m³/day and an average discharge volume of 943.83 m³/day, the facility operates well within its capacity. The regulatory framework ensures that treated effluent meets quality standards before discharge. The treated wastewater is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Mediterranean Sea. This coastal discharge requires careful management to protect marine ecosystems, including seagrass meadows and coastal habitats. The plant plays a key role in maintaining water quality in the region, supporting both environmental health and recreational use of nearby beaches.

The plant discharges into the local drainage network that flows into the Mediterranean Sea near the Costa Dorada. This coastal area supports diverse marine life, including fish nurseries and migratory species. The proximity to the coast means that treated effluent must meet stringent standards to avoid nutrient enrichment and protect sensitive coastal ecosystems.