AECOM supports Kaohsiung in transforming municipal wastewater into recycled water for industrial purposes.
In response to Taiwan's need for stable water supply, the government has introduced diversified water resource development policies to accelerate the development of recycled water in the industry. AECOM employs a Build-Transfer-Operate (BTO) model to help Kaohsiung establish Taiwan’s first demonstration plant that simultaneously develops both a wastewater treatment plant and a recycled water treatment plant, which was completed in 2021.
Recycled Water Treatment System
The water intake system collects wastewater from public sewer systems, which is then processed through a wastewater treatment system to meet discharge or reuse standards. High-efficiency aeration discs in the biological treatment tanks enhance processing efficiency and reduce energy consumption. The recycled water treatment system further purifies this wastewater to produce high-quality recycled water for industrial and other uses.
Stable Industrial Water Supply in the Region
This system currently supplies coastal industrial zones, including China Steel Corporation, CPC Corporation's Dalin Refinery, LCY Chemical, LCY Technology, and CPDC, thereby reducing competition between industrial and municipal water use. Future plans include expanding the plant to accommodate increased industrial water demand from neighboring industries.
Benefits
- The first phase of the plant can process 55,000 tons of wastewater daily and produce 33,000 tons of recycled water. Future expansions will increase wastewater processing capacity to 100,000 tons and recycled water production to 60,000 tons.
- During drought periods, the plant boosts water production for industrial use, allowing the original water supply intended for industrial use to be redirected for municipal use, thereby enhancing regional water supply flexibility.
- The plant saves the city government approximately NT$30 million annually in wastewater treatment operational costs, and the profit from the recycled water’s price difference is around NT$10 million per year.