Overview
OBERES SURBTAL wastewater treatment plant serves Ehrendingen, Aargau, Switzerland, treating wastewater for approximately 12,054 people. It operates under Swiss water protection regulations.
OBERES SURBTAL is a wastewater treatment plant located in Ehrendingen, in the canton of Aargau, Switzerland. The facility serves a population of about 12,054 people, placing it in the medium agglomeration category under Swiss water management frameworks. As part of Switzerland's decentralized wastewater infrastructure, the plant plays a key role in protecting local water resources. Switzerland enforces stringent wastewater treatment standards under its Water Protection Act (Gewässerschutzgesetz), which mandates advanced treatment for plants serving agglomerations over 10,000 people. Facilities of this scale typically employ mechanical-biological treatment with nutrient removal to meet Swiss quality requirements for discharge into sensitive water bodies. The plant's treated effluent ultimately drains into the Surbtal valley's water system, which flows into the Limmat River and then into the Rhine River, a major European waterway. The Rhine basin supports diverse aquatic ecosystems and is a critical drinking water source for millions. The plant's operation helps maintain water quality in this ecologically significant catchment area.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Surbtal stream system, which flows into the Limmat River and then the Rhine River. The Rhine basin is a vital ecological corridor supporting diverse fish species, including salmon, and provides drinking water for downstream communities. Switzerland's strict water protection laws require high treatment standards to safeguard this sensitive watershed from nutrient pollution and contaminants.
Frequently asked questions
OBERES SURBTAL is located in Ehrendingen, in the canton of Aargau, Switzerland. The facility serves the local community and surrounding areas.
The plant serves approximately 12,054 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under Swiss water management standards.
Treated wastewater from OBERES SURBTAL is discharged into the local Surbtal stream system, which flows into the Limmat River and eventually the Rhine River.
The plant operates under Switzerland's Water Protection Act (Gewässerschutzgesetz), which requires advanced treatment for agglomerations over 10,000 people to protect sensitive water bodies.
Plants of this scale in Switzerland typically use mechanical-biological treatment with nutrient removal (nitrogen and phosphorus) to meet strict effluent quality standards for discharge into rivers.
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