Alton Hampshire STW Wastewater Treatment Plant, East Hampshire, England

Alton Hampshire STW is a wastewater treatment plant located in Alton, East Hampshire, England. It serves a population of approximately 45,800, placing it in the medium agglomeration category under UK regulations. The plant is situated inland, away from coastal areas, and discharges into local watercourses that ultimately drain into the River Wey and then the River Thames. As a UK wastewater facility, the plant is regulated under the Urban Waste Water Treatment (England and Wales) Regulations 1994, which transpose the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. For a population of this size, secondary treatment is typically required, with additional nutrient removal if the receiving waters are in a sensitive area. The treated effluent from Alton Hampshire STW contributes to the water quality of the local catchment, which is part of the Thames River Basin District. The downstream environment supports diverse aquatic life and is important for recreational and ecological purposes. The plant plays a key role in protecting local water bodies from pollution.

The plant discharges into local streams that feed into the River Wey, a tributary of the River Thames. The Thames basin supports a variety of fish species and is a vital water resource for southeast England. Downstream, the Thames estuary provides habitat for migratory birds and marine life. The area is ecologically sensitive, requiring careful management of nutrient loads to prevent eutrophication.