In 2023, Valicor recovered 92% of water from our oily wastewater intake. The recovered water wasn’t just a byproduct – it became a resource. After treatment, this water was returned to surface water recharge systems and for other beneficial reuses. It didn’t simply disappear; it became part of a cycle that supports environmental renewal and sustainability.
Now, imagine what could happen if every industry viewed wastewater the same way. The wastewater your factory produces doesn’t have to be waste – it can be treated to improve water security and boost sustainability, contributing to a nature-positive future. This shift isn’t just an environmental goal; it’s a practical one. Water scarcity is an increasing threat to industries worldwide, driving up costs and operational risks. But what if the wastewater you discard could actually become a valuable asset – reducing your water footprint, cutting costs, and supporting sustainable operations?
Industries across the globe face a twofold challenge: rising water consumption and the need for sustainable operations. Water is essential for countless industrial processes, from cooling and cleaning to chemical reactions. In fact, according to a 2015 U.S. Geological Survey report, a staggering 236 billion gallons of surface water were withdrawn daily in the U.S., with 10% of that supporting industrial processes. While thermoelectric power plants accounted for 56% of this usage, industries represent a significant portion of the demand, underscoring how vital water is to maintaining operations.
But this vast consumption also generates enormous quantities of wastewater, often considered a costly byproduct. This wastewater is typically filled with oils, chemicals, and contaminants, making it unsuitable for reuse—at least at first glance. However, with the right treatment processes, industries can transform wastewater into a valuable resource. Wastewater doesn’t have to be discarded. Instead, it can be treated and reused, cutting water costs, reducing environmental impact, and contributing to long-term water security. For industries, every drop of water that isn’t recovered represents a missed opportunity to operate more efficiently and sustainably.
Recovering and reusing industrial wastewater isn’t just an environmental imperative – it’s a practical solution for industries grappling with rising water costs and tightening regulations. Take Arizona, for example. Once a looming threat, its water scarcity has now become a reality, leading the state to limit building permits due to water shortages. With dwindling surface water and groundwater supplies, it's crucial to view wastewater through a new lens. By investing in advanced treatment processes, industries can transform their wastewater into a valuable resource, driving sustainability and improving their bottom line. Here’s how:
Primary Treatment: Removing Suspended Solids
The first step in transforming wastewater into reusable water involves primary treatment, where suspended solids, oils, and larger contaminants are removed. Through processes like sedimentation and filtration, this stage helps prepare the water for more advanced treatment techniques. By removing these impurities early on, industries can significantly reduce the strain on their overall wastewater management systems and prepare water for further reuse or disposal.
Advanced Treatment: Polishing Water for Reuse
After primary treatment, more sophisticated processes like membrane filtration, reverse osmosis, or biological treatments come into play. These advanced methods target dissolved solids, heavy metals, and chemical contaminants that can’t be removed through basic treatment. The result is polished water—often over 90% clean—that can be safely reused in industrial processes or for non-potable applications, such as cooling, cleaning, or even irrigation of green spaces within industrial complexes.
Water Reuse for Industrial Applications
The polished water from advanced treatment systems can be recycled back into industrial processes, reducing the need for freshwater extraction. For industries that use large volumes of water—such as manufacturing, textiles, or energy production—this approach offers an opportunity to lower operational costs and safeguard against future water scarcity. Recycled water can be used for cooling systems, cleaning, and even within the production process, depending on the water quality requirements
Many industries are already leading the way in transforming wastewater from a liability into an asset. Here are a few examples of how companies are successfully implementing advanced wastewater treatment processes and reaping the rewards:
The examples we’ve explored demonstrate that wastewater is not just a byproduct to be managed – it’s a resource that, when properly treated, can fuel sustainable growth. In today’s world, where water scarcity is an increasing concern, industries that embrace wastewater reuse are not only future-proofing their operations but also leading the charge toward a more sustainable future.
With the right infrastructure in place – such as advanced treatment systems and centralized pretreatment facilities – industries can recover water, reduce costs, and lessen their environmental impact. This is not just about meeting regulatory requirements; it’s about creating a business model that thrives on efficiency and resourcefulness.
As the world shifts toward greener practices, those who invest in sustainable water management today will be the ones who reap the rewards tomorrow. Industrial wastewater is a valuable asset, and companies that harness it will help build a future that’s both nature-positive and business-savvy. The question is: will your company be part of this transformation?
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