Aberystwyth STW - Wastewater Treatment Plant Serving Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Wales

Aberystwyth STW is a wastewater treatment plant serving the town of Aberystwyth in Ceredigion, Wales, United Kingdom. The facility handles wastewater from a population of around 17,858, placing it in the medium agglomeration category under UK regulations. The plant is situated near the coast, reflecting the town's position on Cardigan Bay. As a UK wastewater facility, Aberystwyth STW operates under the Urban Waste Water Treatment (England and Wales) Regulations 1994, which transpose the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. For agglomerations of this size, secondary treatment is typically required, with additional nutrient removal if discharging into sensitive areas. The treated effluent from Aberystwyth STW is discharged into the local water environment, ultimately reaching Cardigan Bay in the Irish Sea. This coastal discharge supports the marine ecosystem of the bay, which is known for its diverse aquatic life and important habitats. The plant plays a key role in protecting water quality along this stretch of the Welsh coast.

Aberystwyth STW discharges into the local catchment that drains into Cardigan Bay, part of the Irish Sea. The bay supports a range of marine species and is an important area for biodiversity, including migratory fish and seabirds. The plant's location within 50 km of the coast means its effluent can influence coastal water quality, making effective treatment essential for protecting the marine environment.