Reusing water has become an integral part of society. Just think of collecting rainwater in a rain barrel to use it for the toilet, the washing machine, watering flowers, and so on. With the current drought, the media is raising awareness about the need to use water wisely. We’re seeing a positive trend among individuals: we’re starting to think more consciously about water. But industry must also do its part, as it accounts for a large portion of water consumption. But how exactly does a company get started on this? We’ll explain it briefly below!
Analyze the current situation within the company
Before making the switch, first assess your current water consumption. Ask yourself these questions:
- How much water does your company use per day, week, or month?
- Where in the production process is water lost?
- What portion of your water consumption can be replaced with recycled water?
- What is the quality of your current wastewater?
This analysis forms the basis of your water recycling strategy. It shows where the greatest gains can be made
Water Reuse: Which Alternative Sources to Use
The largest water consumers are the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and chemical sectors. Water is essential to their production processes. Today, tap water is still frequently used, but there are numerous alternative sources that can be utilized. First and foremost, it is important for a company to investigate which sources are available in the surrounding area.
- Surface water: water on the Earth’s surface, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, etc.
- Groundwater: all water reserves found underground (in soil and rock). This water usually comes from precipitation. It is essential for the survival of plants, animals, and humans.
- Rainwater: This may be stored in a reservoir.
- Wastewater from your own business.
- Water from an abandoned quarry near your business
- Effluent (or treated wastewater) from a wastewater treatment plant near your business
- etc.
All of these water sources can be used for water recycling. It is time to take action and make use of these water sources. Especially given current climate change, we must use water wisely.
Determine the required water quality
Every company has its own specific characteristics and different requirements regarding water quality. For example, the quality of water used to wash potatoes will be lower than that of water used to manufacture pharmaceutical products. When reusing water, it is important to ensure that the water quality is suitable for future use (think of demin water, process water, etc.). Before switching to a different source, it is important to verify whether this is feasible and whether the quality required by your company can be achieved.
Ekopak has a mobile testing lab for this purpose: R&D On Tour. This mobile testing lab features advanced technology for water analysis, conducted directly on-site at the customer’s location. Based on these tests, a suitable technology and disinfection solution is proposed: ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, etc. This phase precedes the construction of the system and its implementation at the customer’s site. The system is monitored remotely via Wi-Fi or a cellular network, and water quality is monitored by our team of experts.
Take a step-by-step approach to sustainable water management
Switching to sustainable water use offers many benefits, not only in terms of environmental impact but also financially. Your business will be much less vulnerable to periods of water scarcity, and you’ll minimize your water footprint.
As a business, it’s important to develop a multi-year plan and explore, step by step, how water reuse can be integrated into your operations.
Getting Started with Water Recycling for Your Business
Would you like to know how much water your company can save? Discover our Water-as-a-Service model or check out our technologies. Curious to see how other companies have approached this? Take a look at our projects.
Please contact us for personalized advice with no obligation.
That depends on your water usage, the desired water quality, and the technology you choose. Ekopak also offers Water-as-a-Service, which allows you to switch without making an upfront investment.
That varies by project, but you should expect it to take a few months. It always starts with a thorough analysis, followed by design, construction, and implementation. For quick implementation, you can rent temporary mobile water treatment units for the time being.