Practical Reuse of Wastewater Can Deliver Greater Value Than Zero Liquid Discharge

Industrial manufacturers seeking solutions for wastewater treatment have a powerful weapon at their disposal in Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD). Using advanced methods such as ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, evaporation/crystallization, and fractional electrodeionization, ZLD purifies and recycles all wastewater, leaving zero discharge at the conclusion of the treatment process. ZLD goes beyond meeting basic regulations and provides an expensive solution to a number of challenges –

• Dwindling water supplies
• Poor quality of incoming water supply
• Regulations causing stringent discharge limits
• Green initiatives
• Rinse water quality

Unfortunately, many manufacturers usually do not realize until after making a large capital investment that practical water recovery/reuse can effectively serve the needs of their facility more economically than ZLD.

ZLD may be the most sensible solution for organizations that don’t have a nearby discharge point, source water requires significant treatment or have operations that call for more water than can be purchased. ZLD yields 100 percent water recovery, needs no discharge permit and has minimal waste haul off. But not every organization actually requires the treatment benefits ZLD provides. Practical water reuse yields 70 percent to 85 percent water recovery. Because there will be some waste discharge, a permit is needed. This method allows recovery of easy water with low TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) waste.

The unique situation of each industrial manufacturer dictates which method of wastewater treatment provides an optimal solution. It’s important to consult with an expert before making an investment in a treatment strategy to help determine which method delivers the greatest value. From a financial standpoint, the Cost Ratio for Capital and Operating expense of ZLD is 3 times the costs of treat and discharge; whereas the practical water reuse method is only 1.5 times the cost.

Practical water reuse makes sense for budget conscious companies that determine they can cut costs by recycling treated wastewater. This strategy results in maximizing water recovery while minimizing capital and operational costs. The United Nations’ 2017 World Water Development Report highlights how most wastewater is untreated, which produces an environmental liability. However, when and where treated properly, wastewater has proven to be an extremely valuable, environmentally sustainable resource.

MacDermid Envio has more than 45 years of experience in providing wastewater treatment modular equipment, consultation and chemicals. We offer Zero Liquid Discharge solutions and understand that this process isn’t the best fit for every organization. As a trusted partner, we can help determine whether a practical water reuse strategy or ZLD is right for you. With our customizable EnvioCARE service program, our clients have peace of mind knowing their treatment solution will continue to deliver great value for years to come.