Recycling municipal wastewater for commercial use

Brief intro to the WaterMan pilot measure

The feasibility study evaluates the potential for using recycled water in industrial applications close to the Berlin-Ruhleben wastewater treatment plant, one of the largest in Berlin. As part of this assessment, the study examines how the planned additional treatment processes improve the effluent quality, thereby reducing efforts to implement water reuse: coagulation and flocculation further reduce nutrient emissions, UV disinfection lowers the bacterial content, while ozone or activated carbon adsorption remove micropollutants. Additionally, the study identifies whether further treatment is necessary for specific reuse scenarios. Risk assessment and management aspects are also considered.

In order to maximise the sustainability of water recycling, the project is geared towards local utilisation. The wastewater treatment plant is located in an industrial area, and potential commercial customers have already been identified within a radius of just three kilometres – making short distribution routes feasible and supporting a circular use of water on site.

• Type of pilot measure: Feasibility study
• Location: Berlin (Germany), Ruhleben district
• Water source: Treated wastewater from urban wastewater treatment plant
• Type of treatment: coagulation, flocculation, UV disinfection, ozonation or adsorption onto activated carbon, other fit-for-purpose treatments
• Target water quality: Fit-for-purpose water of varying quality
• Utilisation: Process water, cleaning water and cooling water for industry and commerce, optional: urban irrigation
• Return to natural cycle: Discharge into sewage system, evaporation (in cooling towers)
• Responsible: KWB – Berlin Centre of Competence for Water gGmbh
• Completion of the study: Nov 2025