Overview
KUESNACHT wastewater treatment plant serves Küsnacht (ZH) in the canton of Zürich, Switzerland. It handles a population equivalent of approximately 18,227 and operates under Swiss water protection regulations.
KUESNACHT is a wastewater treatment plant located in Küsnacht (ZH), a municipality in the canton of Zürich, Switzerland. The plant serves a population of about 18,227, placing it in the medium agglomeration category under Swiss water protection legislation. It is situated in the densely populated Zurich metropolitan area, near the northeastern shore of Lake Zurich. As a Swiss treatment facility, KUESNACHT operates under the Federal Water Protection Act (Gewässerschutzgesetz), which mandates advanced treatment standards to protect sensitive water bodies. For plants of this scale, secondary treatment with nutrient removal is typically required, especially given the proximity to Lake Zurich, a major drinking water reservoir and recreational area. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in thousands of cubic meters per day or similar units), indicating a facility sized for its catchment. The treated effluent from KUESNACHT is discharged into the local hydrological network, ultimately reaching Lake Zurich. Lake Zurich drains via the Limmat River into the Aare River, which flows into the Rhine and then to the North Sea. The plant plays a crucial role in maintaining the water quality of Lake Zurich, which supports diverse aquatic life and serves as a vital resource for the region.
Environmental context
KUESNACHT's treated wastewater enters the local drainage system that flows into Lake Zurich, a large alpine lake known for its high water quality and ecological significance. Lake Zurich is a key drinking water source for the canton and supports a variety of fish species and aquatic plants. The outflow from Lake Zurich feeds the Limmat River, which joins the Aare and eventually the Rhine, making the plant's performance important for downstream ecosystems in Switzerland and beyond.
Frequently asked questions
KUESNACHT is located in Küsnacht (ZH), a municipality in the canton of Zürich, Switzerland, near the northeastern shore of Lake Zurich.
The plant serves approximately 18,227 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under Swiss water protection regulations.
The treated effluent is discharged into the local drainage network, which flows into Lake Zurich. From there, water passes through the Limmat and Aare rivers to the Rhine and ultimately the North Sea.
The plant operates under the Swiss Federal Water Protection Act (Gewässerschutzgesetz), which requires advanced treatment standards to protect sensitive water bodies like Lake Zurich.
For medium-sized agglomerations in Switzerland, secondary treatment with nutrient removal (nitrogen and phosphorus) is standard, especially when discharging into sensitive lakes or rivers.
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