Water reuse and reclamation: a contribution to energy efficiency in the water cycle

Water and energy are two of the most important resources of the 21st century. Water is required to supply energy and, at the same time, energy is required to supply water. In urban water management, the key factor is warm water heating. Depending on the quality of the raw water, the
provision of drinking water requires the application of different process technologies; the more complex the methods, the higher the energy demand. As in metropolitan areas, in particular, water consumption exceeds local availability, water pipelines are necessary with respective energy demand. The reuse of water can contribute significantly to conserve water and energy resources. Usually, the water to be reclaimed is supplied locally, making long-distance transport dispensable. By adjusting the process technology to the intended function (fit for purpose), it is possible to minimize the energy demand as well. Water use implies the input of energy (heat, chemically bound energy in form of organic matter) as well as nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, etc.). In the context of implementing water reuse technologies, they can also be reclaimed.

Uso seguro del agua para el reúso

Gives a broad picture of wastewater treatment and reuse; its safe use as a fundamental aspect in water efficiency and security; technologies and biological processes for the treatment of wastewater destined for reuse, policies and regulations for the reuse of wastewater in some countries of Latin America (document is in Spanish).

The Biosolids Emissions Assessment Model (BEAM)

Biosolids management practices are evaluated based on environmental, economic and social impacts. A consideration of increasing importance is the impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from biosolids (treated sludge). BEAM tool was developed for calculating GHG emissions from biosolids management.

Guidelines on Energy Efficiency on Water and Wastewater Utilities

These EE-Guidelines were tested by three pilot utilities, SONEDE in Tunisia, ONEE in Morocco and Aqaba Water Company in Jordan. The energy checks and energy analysis at the water supply facilities were guided and supported by German experts from Hamburg Wasser, a company with longstanding experience in energy management – and known for its strategic target to be independent from external energy inputs before the year 2020.

Strategic alliance for water loss reduction

On this website you will find background information, know-how and best practices on the reduction of water loss from supply networks.

It also provides downloadable guidelines for the sustainable planning and implementation of water loss reduction projects and also offers several training modules.

Water loss management: A case study in Korea. Water Practice & Technology

A case of water loss management on a small city whose water supply is approximately 34,000 ?/day is examined. Revenue water ratio was just 55% mostly because of water loss caused by old pipes and difficulties in pipeline management in the beginning 2004. From 2005 to 2006, 50 km of pipe was replaced due to leaks, poor resultant water quality, blockage or corrosion. In all the new pipes, water meters and valves were replaced as well. This has already led to water savings, and the city plans to continue maintaining and replacing pipes as needed. Overall, through systematic management and rehabilitation/replacement of pipelines, water leakage has decreased dramatically, and the revenue water ratio has increased from 55% to 70% in just 2 years.

Energy Recovery from Wastewater Treatment Plants in the United States: A Case Study of the Energy-Water Nexus

Energy recovery from wastewater treatment plants via anaerobic digestion with biogas utilization and biosolids incineration with electricity generation. We estimate that anaerobic digestion could save 628 to 4,940 million kWh annually in the United States. In Texas, anaerobic digestion could save 40.2 to 460 million kWh annually and biosolids incineration could save 51.9 to 1,030 million kWh annually.

United Utilities, Davyhulme WWTW, CHP Plant

At the Davyhulme wastewater treatment works (WWTW) in Greater Manchester, United Utilities is generating renewable energy from sewage gas that is created from sludge left behind after the treatment of wastewater. United Utilities spent £100 million on the programme that leaves the sludge behind to be used to power the site. At the site 90,000 tonnes of sludge is being processed a year. Clarke Energy has supplied 2 new GE’s Jenbacher JMS620 GS-BL gas engines and re-located 3 x JMS620 GS-BL existing engines to Davyhulme for this project, together creating 12.0MW of renewable power. This is the equivalent of powering over 10,000 typical UK homes.

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