Son Roca Son Ximelis Wastewater Treatment Plant, Palma, Spain

Son Roca Son Ximelis is a wastewater treatment plant located in Palma, on the island of Mallorca in the Illes Balears region of Spain. The plant serves the urban area of Palma and is situated in the Son Peretó district. As a coastal facility within 10 km of the Mediterranean Sea, it plays a key role in protecting the island's marine environment. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard biological treatment required under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for discharges into sensitive coastal areas. With a designed capacity of 4,600 m³/day, it is sized for a medium-sized agglomeration. The plant operates under Spain's national water regulations, which implement the EU directive and require advanced treatment in sensitive zones. Treated effluent from the plant is discharged into the Mediterranean Sea, which surrounds Mallorca. The coastal waters support diverse marine life, including seagrass meadows and fish populations. Proper treatment is essential to prevent nutrient pollution and protect the ecological health of the Balearic Sea.

The plant discharges into the Mediterranean Sea near Palma, Mallorca. The coastal waters are part of the Balearic Sea, which supports seagrass meadows (Posidonia oceanica) and diverse marine fauna. Nutrient inputs from wastewater must be carefully managed to avoid eutrophication and protect this ecologically sensitive marine environment.