SAN JOSE Wastewater Treatment Plant, Níjar, Almería, Spain

SAN JOSE is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Níjar, Almería, within the Andalucía region of southern Spain. The plant serves a population of approximately 5,000 residents and operates with secondary treatment, discharging a daily volume of 906.24 cubic meters. Its designed capacity is 7,000 cubic meters per day, indicating operational headroom. As a secondary treatment facility, SAN JOSE meets the minimum treatment requirements under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for agglomerations of this size. The directive mandates secondary treatment for populations between 2,000 and 10,000 in inland areas, though coastal plants may require additional nutrient removal if discharging into sensitive areas. The plant's coastal location places it under scrutiny for potential marine impacts. The treated effluent is discharged into the Mediterranean Sea via local watercourses, affecting the coastal waters of the Alboran Sea. This region supports diverse marine life, including seagrass meadows and fisheries, making proper treatment essential for ecological health. The plant plays a key role in protecting the coastal environment from nutrient pollution and pathogens.

The plant discharges into the Mediterranean Sea near the Cabo de Gata-Níjar coastal area, a semi-arid region with ecologically sensitive marine habitats. The receiving waters eventually flow into the Alboran Sea, which connects to the broader Mediterranean basin. This area supports seagrass meadows, coral formations, and migratory fish species, making nutrient and pathogen control critical for ecosystem health.