Recycling treated wastewater in public buildings

Brief intro to the WaterMan pilot measure

This feasibility study investigates how recycled wastewater can be used in public buildings. The point of reference is a hospital owned by Region Kalmar County, where a dual piping system separating drinking water and water for non-drinking purposes has already been installed.

The study examines whether this water could be supplied by the new water recycling plant “Kalmarsundsverket” in future, which is currently under construction in Kalmar. Other options under consideration include the use of greywater (i.e. moderately contaminated wastewater from the building itself, e.g. shower water) and stormwater. In addition to  technical aspects, the study also assesses legal aspects and the economic viability of such a system. Regulatory challenges remain: for instance, in Sweden, it is currently not possible to introduce differentiated pricing for water of different qualities – making it harder to create financial incentives for using recycled water.

• Type of pilot measure: Feasibility study
• Location: Kalmar (Sweden)
• Water source: Treated wastewater from new recycling plant, greywater from public buildings, rainwater
• Type of treatment: If possible, to be avoided
• Target water quality: Fit-for-purpose water of varying quality
• Utilisation: E.g. toilet flushing
• Return to natural cycle: Discharge into sewage system
• Responsible: Region Kalmar County
• Completion: November 2025