Proof-of-Concept Phase Started in the ecReUse Project
Assessing treatment performance and water reuse potential
The ecReUse project has entered the proof-of-concept phase at the East Bank Wastewater Treatment Plant in East London, South Africa. Following the successful commissioning and initial test operation of the pilot plants, the project partners are now focusing on the systematic evaluation of the implemented water treatment technologies.
During this phase, water samples are taken at different stages of the pilot systems to quantify their treatment performance under real operating conditions. The analyses will help determine which water qualities can be achieved by the different treatment processes and how reliably these qualities can be maintained over time.
The results will provide an important basis for assessing potential water reuse scenarios in the regional context. Depending on the achieved water quality, possible applications may include industrial water reuse, agricultural use, irrigation of green spaces, or other non-potable applications.
Sampling and laboratory analysis are carried out in cooperation with the accredited laboratory of the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ). This collaboration supports the generation of reliable data and strengthens the local basis for evaluating the actual reuse potential of treated wastewater in the Buffalo City region.
The proof-of-concept phase is an important step towards demonstrating how municipal wastewater treatment plants can become a source of alternative water resources and contribute to improved water security in water-stressed regions.