Realistic demand from industry for the use of reclaimed water from Ta' Barkat wastewater treatment plant

Abstract

Malta as a member state of the European Union has to conform amongst other to the Urban Wastewater Treatment directive 91/271/EEC. Once the Ta' Barkat Wastewater Treatment comes on line during 2010, all wastewater generated in the Maltese Islands would be treated before disposal to sea or reused. From Ta' Barkat Plant 55,000m3/day of treated sewage effluent would be available for reuse. The aim of this study was to investigate the realistic demand from industry for the use of reclaimed water from Ta' Barkat Wastewater treatment plant. It will provide an overview of writings and case studies from around the world on the use of reclaimed water in general and its reuse in industry in particular. The research methodology used was that of both primary and secondary research. As secondary research, use of reports and data from various stakeholders most notably Malta Enterprise and the Water Services Corporation was made. The primary research consisted of interviews and questionnaires with key people in industry. The data gathered highlighted that there is awareness on the reuse potential of TSE and there is acceptance albeit at a reasonable cost to industry. On the other hand the potential demand from the various industrial estates amounts to 5% of the total available TSE from Ta' Barkat. The author then proceeded to discuss the results and their relevance and proposes an action plan to treat the reuse of TSE in a project management based approach. Special emphasis should be given to communication and involvement of various stakeholdP.rs most notably the regulator of the water sector as well as representatives of industry. The author recommends that the use of TSE is undertaken as a start for the Bulebel industrial estate to get the most likely immediate benefits and communicate early successes. The author recommends further studies and investigations to improve the quality of TSE to Increase Its potential for reuse in industry and in other areas