Circular water chain one step closer with the REGAIN project
Four organisations in the northern Netherlands have succeeded in removing pharmaceutical residues from treated wastewater (effluent) at the treatment plant in Garmerwolde so effectively that it meets the strict European standards for 2045 and it can serve as a sustainable source of industrial water. Noorderzijlvest Water Authority, industrial water producer North Water (a joint venture between Waterbedrijf Groningen and Evides Industriewater), water laboratory WLN, and knowledge institute Centre of Expertise Watertechnology (CEW) have reached this conclusion after three years of joint research within the REGAIN project.
Various technologies make it possible
On 22 January, the final results of this joint research project REGAIN were announced: with the help of the tested innovative treatment technologies, a major step can be taken towards a circular water chain. The project shows that drug residues can be removed effectively from Groningen's wastewater. According to the parties involved, this is a breakthrough that will benefit nature, water authorities, and industry. In order to make the extra-treated wastewater suitable for industry, additional components must be removed. Existing methods and technologies 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 freshwater for industry. REGAIN demonstrates that the tested treatment technologies, supplemented with additional treatment 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 wastewater as a source for 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 the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority and North Water, it is of the utmost importance that the project’s findings lead to successful follow-up initiatives. The business case indicates that significant investments are required. If the studied methods can be implemented successfully in the production processes of both organisations, the resulting impact will be invaluable to the natural environment and the economy in Groningen.
Collaboration partners
A total investment of €3.5 million was required to carry out this research project. The National Groningen Programme (NPG) contributed €1.8 million (50%). The Wadden Fund invested €1.2 million (35%). EemsDeltaGreen provided €75,000 in sponsorship. 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).