Conceptual study on the implementation of a regional water cycle

The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) states that rivers, lakes, transitional and coastal waters, and groundwater achieve “good chemical and ecological status” by the year 2027 at the latest. In this context, within the PhD-project “ Conceptual Study on the implementation of a regional water cycle”, it will be determined how the regional water cycle can be closed (from waste water effluent to the provision of process- or drinking water) in order to reduce or prevent emissions from municipal waste water to receiving water bodies.

Based on international experiences (literature research and experience exchange) of realized, industrial scale water reuse plants, process data, quality parameters and framework conditions have to be evaluated in order to identify available and suitable processes and technologies. In collaboration with Emschergenossenschaft/Lippeverband as practice partner, a conceptual study will be developed for a defined research area in North-Rhine-Westphalia. Taking into consideration the fulfilment of defined water quality criteria, demands for sewer system and treatment technologies will be specified and evaluated according to their technical, ecological and (socio-)economic impacts. Finally, the feasibility of the developed water reuse concept is evaluated regarding advantages and disadvantages and the transferability on other regions within Germany is analysed.