Circular water chain one step closer due to REGAIN project
Four parties in the northern Netherlands have succeeded in removing drug residues from treated (effluent) at this location at the Garmerwolde treatment plant so effectively that it not only meets the strict European standards of 2045 but can also become a sustainable source of industrial water. The Noorderzijlvest Water Authority, industrial water producer North Water (a joint venture between Waterbedrijf Groningen and Evides Industriewater), water laboratory WLN, and knowledge institution Centre of Expertise Watertechnology (CEW) have come to this conclusion after three years of joint research within the REGAIN project.
Various technologies make it possible
On January 22, the final results of this joint research project REGAIN were announced: with the help of the tested innovative purification technologies, a major step can be taken towards a circular water chain. The project shows that drug residues can be effectively removed from Groningen's sewage water. According to the parties involved, this is a breakthrough that will benefit nature, water authorities, and industry. In order to make the extra-purified wastewater suitable for industry, additional components must be removed. Existing techniques are available for this purpose.
Important for water quality and industry
What makes the REGAIN research project unique is that it addresses two problems simultaneously: the increasing pollution of surface water and the Wadden Sea, as well as the growing demand for fresh water for industry. REGAIN demonstrates that the tested purification technologies, supplemented with additional purification steps, can improve water quality and protect nature. This will prevent drug residues from being discharged into the Wadden Sea in the future. The technologies also appear to be suitable for using treated as a source of industrial water, which is important for economic development in the form of growing industry and employment in the Eems region. In addition, the pressure on the drinking water supply will be reduced.
North Water and Noorderzijlvest Water Authority to continue working together
For both the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority and North Water, it is very important that the results of the project are successfully followed up. The business case shows that major investments are needed. If the methods investigated can be successfully implemented in the production processes of both organizations, the effect will be invaluable for nature and the economy in Groningen.
Collaboration partners
A total investment of €3.5 million was required to carry out this research project. The National Program Groningen (NPG) contributed €1.8 million (50%) to this. The Wadden Fund invested €1.2 million (35%). EemsDeltaGreen sponsored €75,000. The remaining €0.5 million came from the four participating parties: Noorderzijlvest Water Authority, North Water, WLN, and the Centre of Expertise Water Technology (CEW).