Water Recycling and Reuse
Global demand for fresh water is predicted to exceed available resources by 40% by 2030. To address water scarcity and support our clients' resource recycling and circular economy objectives, CAW provides innovative solutions for treating and recycling usable water from wastewater effluent streams.
Our expertise spans the entire process - from design and installation to management and optimisation - ensuring efficient reuse for various applications.
Water Recycling Applications
As water treatment technology advances, numerous methods are available to recycle water for a variety of applications. Depending on the type of effluent, site conditions, processes, and specific requirements, recycled water can be used for:
- Cooling Water for equipment and machinery.
- Cleaning and Sanitation of floors, walls and equipment.
- Boiler feed water in steam generation processes.
- Process Water, with sufficient treatment.
- Irrigation of landscaping and grounds.
Water Reuse
Our skilled teams are highly qualified and experienced in the design, construction and operation of water reuse technologies for non-potable applications such as polymer makeup, boiler feed water, washdown and cooling systems.
Biological Treatment Systems
These systems effectively treat wastewater by removing organic contaminants and pathogens through biological processes. By achieving high levels of purification, they produce treated water that meets stringent quality standards for non-potable applications.
Ultrafiltration Systems
Ultrafiltration systems use semi-permeable membranes to effectively remove suspended solids, bacteria, and larger organic molecules. This results in high-quality effluent suitable for a range of on-site applications, helping to optimise water use and conservation.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
Reverse Osmosis systems use semi-permeable membranes to remove dissolved salts, contaminants, and impurities to produce high-purity water. This technology is widely used for desalination, industrial water treatment, and applications that require ultra-clean water.
Nanofiltration systems
Nanofiltration systems employ advanced membranes to filter out smaller particles and dissolved substances, producing purified water. This technology is ideal for applications that require treated water with reduced levels of contaminants.
Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection Systems
Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection systems use UV light to neutralise microorganisms, ensuring the treated water is safe for various reuse applications. This method provides a chemical-free solution for effective disinfection. Treated effluent is also passed through a UV disinfection system at Ringsend WwTW in Dublin prior to discharge during the bathing season to ensure the water is safe for leisure activities in Dublin Bay.
Engineering Expertise
Our project engineering team is dedicated to enhancing the performance and sustainability of the plants we operate, consistently identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and lower operating costs. At Ringsend WwTW, for instance, we have significantly reduced the volume of imported water over our tenure, through processes including Ultrafiltration (UF), Reverse Osmosis (RO) and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection. As the site undergoes expansion during ongoing upgrades, our team is leading projects to increase UV treatment capacity and double ultrafiltration capabilities, further reducing the need for potable water in on-site processes.
While water recycling helps conserve freshwater resources, it can also increase operating costs due to the energy demands of advanced treatment processes and system maintenance. These challenges are carefully managed to ensure a balance between sustainability and operational efficiency.
CAW Managed Sites
.jpg)
