Piloting a Water Restoration Park in Scotland
The aim of this project was to support Scottish Water pilot a restoration park to reclaim waste water and market it to non-household water users. Funding was provided by CREW (Scotland’s Centre of Expertise for Waters) and the project ran from August 2012- April 2013.
Project Objectives
- Who are the large water users in non-household sector?
- What is the potential market for reclaimed water?
- What guidelines are needed to ensure water quality?
- Which Scottish Water waste water treatment works (WWTW) would be suitable for park location?
Methodology
Review of literature and analysis of Scottish Water WWTW shortlist for park location.
Key Results
- Scottish non-household users of blue water use a great deal of potable water for non-potable purposes. The potential demand for reclaimed water is therefore high, especially if water quality requirements are met for specific purposes, and the water is cheaper than potable standard.
- The UK has been slow to implement waste water reclamation, and this is true for most European countries. Many commentators attribute this to human disinclination to use waste water and the apparent abundance of water in this region. Scientists commonly state that while the need for reclaiming waste water is established and the technology is there, both legislative and psychological or perceptual changes are needed if water recycling is to be taken up.
- Key policy drivers for implementation of water reuse in the UK: the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive’s encouragement of “appropriate” reuse of treated waste water; the Water Framework Directive requirements that will result in more businesses considering water reuse (because of reduced abstraction and more stringent discharge consents needed to achieve good water status); and UK catchment abstraction management strategies that will reduce the capacity of water users to abstract.
- There are no specific regulations or UK or Scottish guidelines on water standards for reclaimed water. Experts indicate that for reclamation of waste water to gain impetus in the UK, a regulatory framework is needed, and also a demand management approach.
- Analyses of the Scottish Water shortlisted sites for the pilot Water Restoration Park facility indicate that a number of sites are suitable but that pilot success will depend on engaging local businesses as customers.
This CREW call down response has led to development of a capacity building project for funding by CREW 2013-2014.
Staff Involved
Key Contact
Sue Morris
