Valdelacalzada Wastewater Treatment Plant | Extremadura, Spain

The Valdelacalzada wastewater treatment plant is located in the municipality of Valdelacalzada, in the province of Badajoz, Extremadura, Spain. It serves a population of approximately 3,500 residents, classifying it as a small agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated inland, away from coastal areas, and its operations are part of the regional wastewater infrastructure managed by local authorities. The plant employs advanced treatment processes, which go beyond the secondary treatment required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for agglomerations of this size. With a designed capacity of 3,500 m³/day and an actual discharge volume of 634.37 m³/day, the plant operates well below its capacity, indicating efficient handling of current loads. The advanced treatment ensures high-quality effluent suitable for discharge into the local environment. The treated wastewater is discharged into the Guadiana River basin, which flows through Extremadura and eventually reaches the Gulf of Cádiz in the Atlantic Ocean. The Guadiana River supports diverse aquatic ecosystems and is an important water resource for agriculture and wildlife in the region. The plant's advanced treatment helps protect the river's water quality and downstream habitats.

The plant discharges into the Guadiana River basin, which drains into the Gulf of Cádiz in the Atlantic Ocean. The Guadiana River supports a variety of aquatic life and is a critical water source for the surrounding agricultural areas. The advanced treatment at Valdelacalzada helps maintain the ecological health of the river by reducing nutrient loads and pollutants, thereby protecting downstream ecosystems and biodiversity.