Overview
Sufers wastewater treatment plant serves 160 people in Graubünden, Switzerland, with secondary treatment. It discharges 72.63 m³/day and has a design capacity of 375 m³/day.
The Sufers wastewater treatment plant is located in the municipality of Sufers, in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. It serves a small population of 160 residents, reflecting its role in a rural alpine community. The plant is situated near the A13 highway in the Viamala region. The facility provides secondary treatment, which is the standard biological treatment required under Swiss water protection law (Gewässerschutzgesetz). Swiss regulations mandate secondary treatment for all wastewater, with tertiary treatment in sensitive areas. The plant's design capacity of 375 m³/day indicates it can handle peak flows, while current discharge volume is 72.63 m³/day. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which drains into the Hinterrhein river, a tributary of the Rhine. The Rhine ultimately flows into the North Sea. The alpine environment supports diverse aquatic life and is ecologically sensitive, requiring careful management of nutrient loads to protect downstream water quality.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Hinterrhein river, which joins the Rhine and flows to the North Sea. The alpine watershed is characterized by steep terrain and fast-flowing streams, supporting sensitive aquatic ecosystems. Nutrient inputs from wastewater must be carefully managed to prevent eutrophication in downstream lakes and the Rhine delta.
Frequently asked questions
The Sufers wastewater treatment plant is located in the village of Sufers, in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland, near the A13 highway in the Viamala region.
The plant serves a population of 160 people, typical for a small alpine community in Switzerland.
The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which drains into the Hinterrhein river, a tributary of the Rhine, ultimately reaching the North Sea.
The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard biological treatment required under Swiss water protection law for all wastewater facilities.
Swiss wastewater plants are regulated under the Federal Water Protection Act (Gewässerschutzgesetz), which mandates secondary treatment for all discharges and tertiary treatment in sensitive areas. Small plants like Sufers must meet effluent quality standards to protect alpine streams.
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