How to optimise water recycling with sensors

Climate change often presents itself as an issue of water availability, putting the water industry at the heart of many climate change challenges. An increasing frequency of extreme weather events leads to more frequent periods of water stress and scarcity.

Reusing water reduces the pressure on water resources and recycled water forms a sustainable source of freshwater.

The required quality of recycled water depends on its intended purpose, e.g. to water parks in urban areas, to irrigate food crops, or direct potable reuse. The key to safe water reuse is a flexible and reliable sensor-based monitoring system which can match supply and demand, in terms of both water quantity and water quality.

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Water scarcity affects almost one fifth of EU territory and at least 11% of EU population: 56 million people (European Commission).

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In the Mediterranean area, 20% of the population lives under constant water stress and, in summer, this rises to over 50% (European Commission).

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By 2030, water stress and scarcity will affect 50% of Europe’s river basins (European Commission).

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By 2027, the volume of recycled water produced in the United States is projected to increase by 37% to 6.6 billion gallons per day (WateReuse, USA).

Showcase

Treatment of secondary effluent to drinking water standards at Beenyup Wastewater Treatment Plant

Water Corporation Western Australia describes how online monitoring played a vital role in the treatment of secondary WWTP effluent to drinking water quality standards in order to replenish groundwater sources for water reuse purposes.

The key benefit obtained from online sensors is the capacity to provide the utility, regulators and government with confidence that the treatment process always performs to the required standards.

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NEWater wastewater reclamation to overcome water shortages

NEWater is a used-water reclamation scheme mainly for non-potable industrial or indirect potable reuse. This frees up potable water for domestic consumption. During dry periods, NEWater is added to PUB’s reservoirs to blend with raw water for the production of drinking water. This showcase describes how sophisticated online TOC monitoring was used to assess RO membrane integrity and to ensure continuous high quality of the produced water.

Today, NEWater meets 40% of Singapore’s total water demand. By 2060, NEWater is projected to meet 55% of Singapore’s future water demand. Thus, NEWater forms a sustainable and renewable water source for Singapore, making it less susceptible to changing weather and rainfall patterns.

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