This case study focuses on the experience of São Paulo, Brazil and SABESP (Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estadode São Paulo S.A.), the state owned water utility for São Paulo state, which is responsible for public water supply and sanitation services in more than 370 cities.
This case study examines how the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) in Cambodia has significantly reduced water losses and improved operational efficiency to accomodate the growing population in the country's capital city.
To meet the increasing water demand resulting from rapid economic development and urbanization, Lingyuan City, China, has identified wastewater collection, treatment, and reuse as an opportunity to address the city’s water scarcity problem while promoting circular economy principles. This case study examines the city's experience.
The population of Chennai, India, has increased more than fifty percent over the past two decades, creating several water challenges. This case study focuses on the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board’s experiencein reusing and recovering energy from wastewater.
This case study parallels the experiences of two water utilities in Indonesia that implemented a Nonrevenue water reduction program that has consequently improved their energy efficiency: Tugu Tirta, a public utility, and Adhya Tirta Batam (ATB), a private concessionaire. With their success, these two utilities have set a benchmark for NRW reduction and energy efficiency improvements in the country.
Gaza is among the most water-stressed places in the world and its main source of water is groundwater from the Coastal Aquifer, which is replenished by rainfall. This case study describes how treated wastewater was used in Gaza for aquifer recharge and reuse in a water-scarce and conflict-prone context.
This case study is part of a series prepared by the World Bank’s Water Global Practice to highlight existing experiences in the water sector. The purpose of the series is to showcase one or more of the elements that can contribute toward a Water in Circular Economy and Resilience (WICER) system. This case focuses on the experience of Dakar, Senegal.
As Santa Cruz struggled to increase its wastewater treatment capacity, covered anaerobic lagoons technology was identified as a solution. Not only are covered anaerobic lagoons cost-efficient and low-energy intensive but they also offer financial benefits such as energy generation and the ability to sell carbon credits for lowering GHG emissions.
The Brazilian federal government sought to increase water quality in key river basins. By focusing on sound governance and strict output based performance metrics, the Brazilian government was able to improve performance in the sanitation sector. This case study documents their experience.
Generation and Sale of Biogas in Wastewater treatment plants
The case study highlights how Aguas Andinas in Santiago, Chile, transformed its wastewater treatment process into a profitable venture by partnering Metrogas to convert biogas into a valuable resource, demonstrating the potential of circular economy principles in water.
To address water scarcity amidst rapid urbanization, New Cairo, Egypt, implemented a pioneering public-private partnership (PPP) to construct a wastewater treatment plant, facilitating water reuse for agriculture, reducing pollution, and serving as a model for future PPP projects in the country.
Nagpur, India, addressed water scarcity and increased water demand for thermal power generation by implementing a PPP to reuse municipal treated wastewater for cooling purposes in the power plant, demonstrating economic, environmental, and social benefits while setting a precedent for future wastewater reuse projects in the country.
In response to urban growth and wastewater management challenges in the Valley of Mexico metropolitan area, the Atotonilco Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) represents a pioneering effort, leveraging public-private partnerships and innovative treatment technologies to transform wastewater into a valuable resource for irrigation, energy generation, and environmental restoration.
In response to water scarcity exacerbated by rapid urbanization and industrial growth, San Luis Potosí, Mexico, implemented an Integrated Plan for Sanitation and Water Reuse, exemplified by the Tenorio-Villa de Reyes wastewater treatment plant, which treats and reuses wastewater for cooling, agricultural irrigation, and environmental enhancement, showcasing a sustainable approach to water management and economic development.
In response to water scarcity challenges, SEDAPAR, collaborated with Cerro Verde, the largest copper mine in the region, to implement a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement for wastewater reuse, leading to significant cost savings for SEDAPAR, environmental improvements in the Chili River watershed, and social benefits for local communities.
The Durban wastewater recycling project in South Africa turned wastewater into a resource by recycling it for industrial use through a successful public-private partnership. This innovative approach helped address water scarcity and infrastructure challenges, while also reducing pollution. Overall, it set a model for sustainable wastewater management in the region.
The Ridgewood wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) underwent a transformative upgrade resulting in energy neutrality and significant cost savings for the municipality. By retrofitting the plant's anaerobic digesters and implementing innovative energy recovery solutions, Ridgewood set an example of sustainable municipal wastewater treatment while reducing its carbon footprint and operating costs.
To address water scarcity amidst urban growth, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) in Minnesota implemented a water reclamation facility, treating municipal wastewater for reuse in irrigation and wetland restoration. Guided by Dakota tradition, they prioritize environmental stewardship and collaboration. This case study delves into their successful approach.
Collier County, Florida, showcases a unique nature based water reuse solution implemented at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. The Living Machine® treats wastewater from facility restrooms, recycling it for toilet flushing. This innovation reduces reliance on potable water and educates visitors about wetlands' water quality benefits.
In collaboration with Microsoft, the City of Quincy, Washington, established the Quincy Water Reuse Utility, recycling cooling water from a Microsoft data center to reduce reliance on potable groundwater, thereby enhancing water sustainability, preserving aquifers, and demonstrating effective water reuse practices in an arid region.
In response to population growth and groundwater overextraction, Richmond Hill, Georgia, implemented a water reclamation facility to treat municipal wastewater, doubling its treatment capacity, preserving wetlands, and reducing dependence on groundwater resources, demonstrating the efficacy of water reuse in addressing water management challenges.
Portugal is a “downstream country.” Almost 70 percent of its annual water resources are generated in Spain, its neighbor to the north and east. The case studies highlights the country's remarkable progress over the past twenty-five years, enhancing governance and infrastructure, modernizing services, and advancing corporate management and regulation to improve water and sanitation coverage, quality, and wastewater treatment.
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