Zero discharge. I: A systematic approach to water reuse

Much has changed in the way water is managed today. The rising price of water, prolonged droughts, and environmental regulations make water reduction and reuse virtually essential. Today, most facilities have some program in place. But in the absence of industry standards, how those programs are defined, implemented and executed varies from plant to plant, and from owner to owner. The epitome of water reuse is zero discharge. Although the meaning of the term varies, zero discharge most commonly refers to a facility that discharges no wastewater to surface water. The process of closing up a plant`s water balance is a major undertaking that is not without some risks and drawbacks. Typical problems include: roving maintenance problems; reduced plant reliability; presence of trace chemicals; limits on wastewater concentration are exceeded; and lost water rights. The paper presents an outline for a systematic approach to water reuse.