Facility Water Cycle Management in Diverse Conditions

Abstract

Abstract The supply of potable drinking water, nonpotable processed water and ultimately wastewater disposal is a significant cost and logistical concern in many areas of the world. Water conservation and the demand for potable drinking water poses a daunting task for operating bases. This paper outline challenges for facility management where water is a scarce resource through incorporating strategies and technologies for the water management cycle. The sourcing of potable water is an issue where nonpotable ground water is the only alternative to high- cost tank and bottled water. Utilizing technologies to generate on-site potable water where potable water supply is restricted provides companies the opportunity to increase their available potable water supply, and provides corporate social responsibility benefits to the community. Utilizing processed or nonpotable water, although more readily available, still poses issues for many locations because of arid conditions and water demand increasing logistics and cost of supply. This paper reviews strategies for sourcing and recycling technologies for nonpotable water to reduce impact. The final aspect of water management includes the challenges with regard to disposing of processed grey water and black water from washrooms and other sources in locations where municipal waste water treatment facilities are not available. In such areas, removal and waste water costs can be significant. Additionally, companies must maintain environmental oversight to ensure waste water is properly managed to protect the environment and company reputation. The paper presents waste water disposal management strategies to control risk and costs, utilizing techniques and technologies that reduce water quantity and levels of pollutants in discharged water. Case studies from facilities in Dubai UAE, Iraq, Brazil, and Algeria are presented to illustrate the process of holistic water management at service bases. The paper also introduces a water management tool developed to assess and quantify water management components, and the methodology to identify strategies and technologies for managing a facility’s water cycle. The approach encompasses the logistical, cost and social benefits of water management.