Davos Glaris Wastewater Treatment Plant, Davos, Graubünden, Switzerland

Davos Glaris is an advanced wastewater treatment plant located in the Davos Glaris district of Davos, in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. The plant serves a small population of 649 residents, reflecting the alpine and rural character of the area. As an advanced treatment facility, it goes beyond secondary treatment to remove nutrients and other pollutants, ensuring high-quality effluent. Switzerland's wastewater treatment is regulated under the Swiss Water Protection Act (Gewässerschutzgesetz), which mandates strict standards for all treatment plants. For small agglomerations like Davos Glaris, advanced treatment is often required to protect sensitive alpine water bodies. The plant's designed capacity of 1,563 m³/day indicates it can handle peak flows, while the current discharge volume of 294.60 m³/day shows it operates well below capacity. The treated effluent from Davos Glaris is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Landwasser River, a tributary of the Albula River, then the Hinterrhein, and finally the Rhine River. The Rhine flows through Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands before reaching the North Sea. The alpine streams in this region support diverse aquatic life, including brown trout and other cold-water species, making advanced treatment crucial for maintaining water quality.

The plant discharges into the Landwasser River, which flows into the Albula River, a headwater of the Hinterrhein and ultimately the Rhine River, one of Europe's major waterways. The alpine watershed is ecologically sensitive, supporting cold-water fish species and providing important habitat for aquatic invertebrates. Advanced treatment helps protect downstream ecosystems, including the Rhine's delta and the North Sea.