Changing our models : speeding up re-use
of treated wastewater
Climate change, particularly in the form of repeated droughts, combined with demographic growth, is prompting us to review our water management models to guarantee access to water in sufficient quality and quantity for all.
To meet this challenge and provide local authorities with the best possible support in the sustainable management of this resource, Stereau has for many years been developing a wide range of innovative solutions for the reuse of treated wastewater, in line with health safety requirements. These solutions enable wastewater to be treated to a satisfactory level for use in:
- agricultural irrigation,
- urban watering and cleaning, or even
- groundwater recharge.
By increasing the available resource at a controlled cost, the reuse of treated wastewater is particularly well suited to regions affected by droughts and water shortages. It provides an effective response to local tensions and conflicts over water use, by reducing the amount of water drawn from the natural environment.
At Stereau, we implement modular, proven technologies for the reuse of purified water that can be adapted to any need. The tertiary refining processes used vary according to the intended use and required water quality.
- UV disinfection may be all that’s needed, especially when secondary treatment includes membrane filtration such as AquaRM®.
- More advanced technologies such as reverse osmosis or the elimination of micropollutants using the CarboPlus® process can also be proposed.
In 2009, Stereau designed and built Europe’s first wastewater treatment plant in Vathia-Gonia to reuse almost all of its treated wastewater for agricultural irrigation. With a capacity of 200,000 population equivalents, the Vathia-Gonia wastewater treatment plant uses Stereau’s patented Aqua-RM® membrane filtration process, complemented by ultraviolet disinfection.
The plant produces 500 m3/h of treated wastewater, meeting the water needs of farmers and preserving drinking water for domestic consumption.