Design of a climate-dependent water reuse project

Abstract

Reclaimed water storage is imperative in water reuse management. Climate is a primary factor controlling reclaimed water storage design by its significant influence on irrigation water needs as well as on stored water quality. This study presents a modelling approach that has been applied to assist the design of a climate-dependent water reuse project on an Atlantic island. Models for predicting irrigation water needs and water quality in tertiary lagoons were coupled with a technical-economic model to design reclaimed water storage facilities. Three scenarios corresponding to different augmentation of current reclaimed water reuse were investigated. According to the modelling, the storage sizes to meet the water quantity required for irrigation increased with water deficit--the difference between evapotranspiration and precipitation. The size of tertiary lagoons to meet required water quality was found to be larger than the size to meet required water quantity. To meet both quantitative irrigation needs and <1,000 FC/100 ml irrigation and disposal regulation, extending the tertiary lagoon system would be more cost-effective than storage calculated to meet only quantitative irrigation needs supplemented with UV disinfection. The reliability of reclaimed water storage design was estimated with 40 years historic climatic records.