Overview
SAINT GINGOLPH wastewater treatment plant serves the Swiss municipality of Saint-Gingolph in Valais/Wallis. It is located near Lake Geneva and operates under Swiss federal water protection regulations.
The SAINT GINGOLPH wastewater treatment plant serves the municipality of Saint-Gingolph in the Valais/Wallis canton of Switzerland, situated on the southern shore of Lake Geneva. The plant is designed to treat wastewater from a population of approximately 3,227 residents, reflecting its role as a small-scale municipal facility in a scenic Alpine lakeside community. As a Swiss treatment plant, it operates under the Swiss Water Protection Act (Gewässerschutzgesetz), which mandates appropriate treatment levels to protect sensitive water bodies. For a plant of this size, secondary treatment is typically required, with possible phosphorus removal to prevent eutrophication in receiving waters. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 unit, indicating a modest infrastructure tailored to the local population. The treated effluent is discharged into Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), one of Europe's largest freshwater lakes, which drains via the Rhône River into the Mediterranean Sea. The lake supports diverse aquatic life and serves as a critical drinking water source for the region. The plant's proximity to the lake underscores the importance of effective nutrient removal to maintain water quality and ecological balance.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into Lake Geneva, a major Alpine lake that flows into the Rhône River, eventually reaching the Mediterranean Sea. The lake is ecologically sensitive, supporting diverse fish species and serving as a key migratory corridor for birds. Effective treatment is essential to prevent nutrient loading and protect the lake's oligotrophic status.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at 49, Route Cantonale, Saint-Gingolph, in the Valais/Wallis canton of Switzerland, on the southern shore of Lake Geneva.
The plant serves approximately 3,227 residents of Saint-Gingolph and surrounding areas.
Treated effluent from the plant is discharged into Lake Geneva, which flows into the Rhône River and ultimately reaches the Mediterranean Sea.
The plant operates under the Swiss Water Protection Act (Gewässerschutzgesetz), which sets standards for wastewater treatment to protect water bodies like Lake Geneva.
For a small agglomeration of this size, Swiss regulations typically require secondary treatment with phosphorus removal to prevent eutrophication in sensitive lakes.
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