In the quest for sustainable water management, a recent study sheds light on an often-overlooked resource: backwash water from drinking water treatment plants (WTPs). Led by Małgorzata Wolska from the Faculty of Environmental Engineering at Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, the research compares the quantity, composition, and management of backwash water in Poland and Spain, offering insights that could reshape water reuse practices and benefit the energy sector.
Backwash water is generated during the rinsing of filters in WTPs, a process essential for maintaining water quality. However, this water is typically discarded, representing a missed opportunity for resource recovery. Wolska’s study, published in ‘Water Resources and Industry’ (translated as ‘Water Resources and Industry’), reveals that backwash water could serve as an additional water source, provided its quantity and composition are regularly monitored—a practice currently uncommon in many facilities.
The study surveyed 66 Polish and 6 Spanish water utilities, highlighting stark differences in water supply systems and backwash water management. Polish WTPs, generally smaller and serving individual towns, often lack data on backwash water composition due to the absence of routine analyses. In contrast, Spanish plants, operating within centralized, regional networks, have larger capacities and more established monitoring practices.
“Our findings indicate that returning small volumes of untreated backwash water to the treatment process does not compromise the quality of the final treated water,” Wolska explains. This suggests that with proper management, backwash water can be safely reused, reducing water wastage and potentially lowering operational costs for WTPs.
The commercial implications for the energy sector are significant. Water is a critical resource for energy production, and sustainable water management practices can enhance operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact. By integrating backwash water reuse into WTP operations, energy companies can contribute to water conservation efforts and potentially secure additional water sources for their processes.
However, the study also underscores the need for improved regulatory frameworks. Legal regulations governing backwash water reuse are essential to ensure its safe and efficient application. In Poland, increasing the share of managed backwash water is particularly important, as the study found that only a small fraction of backwash water is currently managed.
Wolska’s research highlights the need for enhanced monitoring, operational, and regulatory frameworks to support sustainable water management practices. As water scarcity becomes an increasingly pressing global issue, the insights from this study could shape future developments in the field, promoting more efficient and sustainable water use.
By embracing these findings, the water and energy sectors can work towards a more sustainable future, where every drop of water is valued and utilized to its fullest potential.