Recycling Treated Municipal Wastewater for Industrial Water Use

Craddock Consulting Engineers 2-1
In Association with CDM & James Crook
TM1-Sec2_0707.doc
Section 2
Implementation Considerations
The decision to implement an industrial water reuse program depends heavily on sitespecific
and area-specific conditions. For a wastewater treatment provider to partner
with one or more industries in developing an industrial reuse program usually requires
one or more economic and/or non-economic drivers. Several key drivers for industrial
reuse are discussed in Section 2.1.
Even with the proper incentives, implementation of an industrial reuse program is
contingent on successfully addressing a number of implementation challenges, such as:
development and application of reuse regulations
technical considerations such as industrial water quality requirements, wastewater
treatment needs to achieve the users’ water quality requirements, and fee structures
institutional considerations such as local ordinances, public perception, and legal
agreements
Each of these subjects is discussed in this section. Section 2 concludes with example case
studies of industrial reuse projects throughout the U.S.
2.1 Drivers for Reuse
Industry considers use of reclaimed water ‘reuse’ if there is a reason (driver) to seek an
alternative to use of municipal potable supplies or direct use of ground or surface
water. Usually, the driver is the lack of sufficient water of the appropriate quality. In
some cases, financial incentives associated with the use of reclaimed water (e.g., rates
lower than potable water) make it economically attractive.
Use of reclaimed water is not uncommon in those states that have state-wide or large
regional water supply issues. In Minnesota, some areas have had similar supply
limitations. In the case of the southwestern portion of the state, a reliable supply was
found outside Minnesota’s border. One power plant has found reclaimed water a better
option than treating the poor quality water from the Minnesota River. As population
growth continues to put pressure on metro area and larger community aquifers, some
areas in Minnesota will have water supply limitations and use of reclaimed water will
be a viable option.
Drivers for reclaimed water use for industrial purposes on a national level include the
following:
Need for water – lack of adequate local supply of appropriate quality or quantity