The demand for water in the Edmonton region is increasing rapidly as industry grows. At the
same time, there is an increasing concern for the quantity and quality of water in the North
Saskatchewan River. Alberta Environment is balancing water allocation with the need for
responsible watershed protection. Future competition for limited water supplies will certainly
increase; water users will need to find innovative solutions such as water reuse to meet their
needs. In addition, Alberta Environment is concerned with the quality of return water to the
North Saskatchewan River as the river has a finite capacity to assimilate discharges and
maintain a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Alberta Environment appears to be heading towards
receiving stream load limits resulting in the need to meet increasingly more stringent effluent
standards or to divert effluent for reuse.
The City of Edmonton and Petro-Canada are leading the way in addressing these water
allocation and watershed protection challenges. They have forged a successful partnership to
transform municipal wastewater effluent into high quality reuse water. The water is suitable as a
source for industry's subsequent treatment by reverse osmosis membranes, for cooling water
make-up or other uses where there is a water demand. In addition, river valley parks and
recreational facilities plan to use the water.
In early 2006, Canada's largest membrane-based water reuse facility commenced delivery of up
to 5 ML/d water supply to its first industrial complex, the Air Products Hydrogen Plant which
produces hydrogen for the Petro-Canada Edmonton Refinery. By October 2007, the membrane
facility will have the capability of delivering up to 15 ML/d sustained water supply and meet peak
water demands of up to 20 ML/d. A portion of the flow will also be available for in-plant needs at
the City of Edmonton's Gold Bar Wastewater Treatment Plant; pond filling, fountains and
irrigation at nearby parks; and snow making for the local cross-country ski club. With future
expansion, the facility could ultimately be capable of producing up to 40 ML/d to meet additional
industrial water reuse and other needs.
Other benefits include the reduction of the wastewater effluent discharge loads on the North
Saskatchewan River. Includes 3 references, tables, figures.
| Edition : | Vol. - No. |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 3.1 MB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 39 |
| Published : | 06/01/2007 |
