AWWA ACE65404

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.