La Atarjea potable water treatment plant, Water treatment plant in El Agustino, Peru
La Atarjea is a water treatment plant in El Agustino that processes water from the Rimac River through several purification stages. The facility uses settling tanks, sand filters, and other filtration methods to produce water safe for drinking.
The plant opened in 1956 and was the world's largest water treatment facility at that time. Its operation marked a turning point in Lima's water supply, as it replaced the practice of using river water directly for the city's needs.
This facility represents Lima's shift toward organized water management and how the city ensures clean water reaches its people. Walking near the plant, you notice the network of pipes that distribute treated water throughout the neighborhoods.
The facility runs continuously throughout the day and night to supply water to the entire city. Keep in mind that this is an active industrial site, so visits may be restricted or require special permission to access the grounds.
Water travels from the high Andes mountains through narrow rocky valleys before arriving at the plant for treatment. This journey shows how Lima sources its water from distant highlands rather than relying solely on nearby river sources.
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