CHAVORNAY Wastewater Treatment Plant, Chavornay, Vaud, Switzerland

The CHAVORNAY wastewater treatment plant is located in the municipality of Chavornay, within the District du Jura-Nord vaudois in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. It serves a population of approximately 2,993 people, making it a small-scale facility in the Swiss wastewater infrastructure. As a Swiss plant, CHAVORNAY operates under the national Water Protection Act (Gewässerschutzgesetz), which mandates stringent treatment standards. For small agglomerations like this, secondary treatment with nutrient removal is typically required to protect sensitive water bodies. The plant's designed capacity of 1.00 indicates a modest size, consistent with the local population. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Rhone River basin via the Orbe River and Lake Geneva (Lac Léman). This water body is ecologically significant, supporting diverse aquatic life and serving as a critical freshwater resource for the region. The plant's operation helps maintain water quality in this sensitive alpine environment.

The plant discharges into the local water system, which flows into the Orbe River, a tributary of the Rhone River. The Rhone eventually reaches Lake Geneva, a large alpine lake with high ecological value. The watershed supports diverse fish populations and is a key migratory corridor for birds. Protecting water quality here is essential for maintaining the lake's oligotrophic status and recreational uses.