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AWWA ACE65404
- Edmonton's Water Reuse Facility Addresses Water Allocation and Watershed Protection Challenges
- Conference Proceeding by American Water Works Association, 06/01/2007
- Publisher: AWWA
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The demand for water in the Edmonton region is increasing rapidly as industry grows. At thesame time, there is an increasing concern for the quantity and quality of water in the NorthSaskatchewan River. Alberta Environment is balancing water allocation with the need forresponsible watershed protection. Future competition for limited water supplies will certainlyincrease; water users will need to find innovative solutions such as water reuse to meet theirneeds. In addition, Alberta Environment is concerned with the quality of return water to theNorth Saskatchewan River as the river has a finite capacity to assimilate discharges andmaintain a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Alberta Environment appears to be heading towardsreceiving stream load limits resulting in the need to meet increasingly more stringent effluentstandards or to divert effluent for reuse.The City of Edmonton and Petro-Canada are leading the way in addressing these waterallocation and watershed protection challenges. They have forged a successful partnership totransform municipal wastewater effluent into high quality reuse water. The water is suitable as asource for industry's subsequent treatment by reverse osmosis membranes, for cooling watermake-up or other uses where there is a water demand. In addition, river valley parks andrecreational facilities plan to use the water.In early 2006, Canada's largest membrane-based water reuse facility commenced delivery of upto 5 ML/d water supply to its first industrial complex, the Air Products Hydrogen Plant whichproduces hydrogen for the Petro-Canada Edmonton Refinery. By October 2007, the membranefacility will have the capability of delivering up to 15 ML/d sustained water supply and meet peakwater demands of up to 20 ML/d. A portion of the flow will also be available for in-plant needs atthe City of Edmonton's Gold Bar Wastewater Treatment Plant; pond filling, fountains andirrigation at nearby parks; and snow making for the local cross-country ski club. With futureexpansion, the facility could ultimately be capable of producing up to 40 ML/d to meet additionalindustrial water reuse and other needs.Other benefits include the reduction of the wastewater effluent discharge loads on the NorthSaskatchewan River. Includes 3 references, tables, figures.