Overview
REALP wastewater treatment plant serves the small alpine village of Realp in Uri, Switzerland. It provides secondary treatment for a population of 268, discharging treated effluent into the local watershed.
REALP is a wastewater treatment plant located in the village of Realp, within the canton of Uri, Switzerland. Situated in the Swiss Alps at an elevation of about 1,500 meters, the plant serves a small population of 268 residents. It is part of the municipal infrastructure for this remote mountain community. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard biological treatment required under Swiss water protection regulations. With a designed capacity of 617 cubic meters per day and an actual discharge volume of 121.65 cubic meters per day, the plant operates well below its capacity. Swiss regulations mandate that all wastewater treatment plants meet strict effluent standards to protect sensitive alpine water bodies. The treated effluent from REALP ultimately drains into the Furkareuss river, a tributary of the Reuss river, which flows through central Switzerland into Lake Lucerne. The alpine watershed is ecologically sensitive, supporting cold-water fish species and pristine aquatic habitats. Proper treatment is essential to prevent nutrient enrichment and maintain water quality in this high-altitude environment.
Environmental context
The REALP plant discharges into the Furkareuss river, which flows into the Reuss river and eventually reaches Lake Lucerne, a large pre-alpine lake. The surrounding watershed is characterized by steep terrain and glacial meltwater streams, supporting diverse aquatic life including brown trout and other cold-water species. The alpine environment is particularly sensitive to nutrient pollution, making effective wastewater treatment critical for preserving downstream water quality and ecosystem health.
Frequently asked questions
The REALP plant is located in the village of Realp, in the canton of Uri, Switzerland. It sits in the Swiss Alps at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters.
The plant serves a population of 268 residents in the alpine community of Realp.
The REALP plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard biological treatment required under Swiss water protection regulations for small alpine communities.
Switzerland's Water Protection Act requires all wastewater treatment plants to meet strict effluent standards. For small plants like REALP serving fewer than 500 people, secondary treatment is typically sufficient to protect sensitive alpine water bodies.
The treated effluent discharges into the Furkareuss river, a tributary of the Reuss river, which flows into Lake Lucerne. This alpine watershed supports cold-water fish and requires careful nutrient management.
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