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Turning waste into resource: the role of wastewater management in sustainability

Did you know only approximately 3% of Earth’s water is drinkable? Water scarcity is no longer a problem of the future; it's a reality faced by communities worldwide today. Climate change and water scarcity go hand-in-hand. Addressing climate change is essential to restore balance to water systems and safeguard this vital resource for future generations.


The water cycle and climate change

Climate change is reshaping the hydrologic cycle, disrupting water availability and intensifying weather patterns worldwide. As global temperatures rise, increased evaporation from oceans, rivers, and soils pumps more moisture into the atmosphere, leading to heavier and more erratic rainfall amplifying the frequency of severe storms and flooding in some regions, while leaving others drier than ever. Additionally, rising sea levels threaten coastal water tables and aquifers with saltwater intrusion, further reducing potable water sources.


Why wastewater management matters more than ever

While water is a renewable resource, it takes a long time for the hydrologic cycle to remove toxins. Wastewater treatment makes the process faster providing safe and reusable water.    Wastewater management, once seen purely as a means of waste disposal, is emerging as a cornerstone of sustainable industry.


Industrial processes consume vast amounts of water and generate wastewater that, if untreated, can pollute ecosystems and strain community resources. But beyond simply treating wastewater to meet regulatory standards, forward-thinking companies are recognising its potential for reuse.


Industries have a critical role to play in reducing their environmental impact and dependence on freshwater resources and reusing treated wastewater. For instance, by treating wastewater to a high standard, it can be repurposed for tasks like cooling systems, irrigation, and even non-potable uses within facilities. By implementing these sustainable practices, industries alleviate pressure on freshwater sources while simultaneously meeting sustainability goals.



A stream of water is flowing through a concrete wall.

Environmental and economic benefits of sustainable wastewater practices

The importance of responsible water and wastewater disposal use is highlighted as being the primary focus of two of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (6. Clean Water and 14. Life Below Water). Even though the primary goal of wastewater treatment is often regulatory compliance, companies that go beyond the basics stand to gain significant environmental and economic benefits. Effective wastewater management:


1.   Enhances efficiency

Wastewater treatment systems improve industrial efficiency by employing advanced treatment processes like liquid-solids separation to contaminants from wastewater streams. The wastewater systems prevent blockages reducing wear on industrial equipment for smoother, uninterrupted operations and lower maintenance expenses.


2.   Maximises by-product recovery

Industries using significant water volumes often discharge valuable by-products into wastewater. A wastewater treatment system captures residual materials for recovery and reuse.


3.   Protects equipment

Residual waste in wastewater can damage equipment, reducing its operational capacity or preventing helpful biological processes. Treating wastewater before it enters the system minimises the risk of costly infrastructure repairs.


4.   Enhances industry and company image

Adopting eco-friendly solutions enhances a brand’s reputation, fostering trust among local communities, customers, employees, and investors, and sets apart the business from its competitors.


5.   Prevents waterborne pollution

Wastewater treatment systems play a crucial role in curbing pollution of our waterways. Without proper treatment, untreated wastewater containing contaminants can spread diseases and contribute to antimicrobial resistance and fundamentally alter the habitats of aquatic animals, leading to ecosystem collapse. Wastewater treatment solutions designed to prevent waterborne pollution include:


  • Water clarification
  • Heavy metal removal
  • Silt management
  • Dust suppression
  • Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)
  • Truck wheel wash systems


A group of people are rowing a boat on a river.

6.   Reputational Protection

Responsible water use and wastewater disposal is an important issue to many who enjoy hobbies in or near waterways. Businesses who disregard their corporate responsibility to use this precious resource sustainably can suffer irreparable reputational damage. 


7.   Enhances industry and company image

Adopting eco-friendly solutions enhances a brand’s reputation, fostering trust among local communities, customers, employees, and investors, and sets apart the business from its competitors.


DETA: innovative wastewater treatment solutions

DETA’s wastewater consultants and wastewater management services help industries navigate wastewater treatment technologies, selecting the best solutions based on each facility's specific needs and goals. It’s critical to look at the business holistically to identify water efficiency opportunities.


  • Conduct efficiency reviews and optimisation projects
  • Undertake site water balances
  • Identify water recovery opportunities
  • Review water quality
  • Design systems for yield recovery and efficient piping
  • Implement metering systems
  • Develop solutions for water recycling and recovery

 

Combines traditional and advanced water treatment techniques

Sustainable wastewater management often combines time-tested treatment methods with advanced technologies – there is not a one-size-fits-all solution to purify and reuse water. Using a combination of conventional treatment methods, such as sedimentation and biological treatment, with advanced technologies such as reverse osmosis and bio-organic polymers, a broader range of pollutants are addressed, so even the strictest regulatory requirements are met.


A group of construction workers are working on a roof.

Energy-efficient wastewater solutions

The energy required to treat wastewater can be substantial. DETA’s energy consultants NZ/Australia audit energy efficiency and make recommendations to achieve cost reduction goals. For instance, waste-to-energy technologies can transform the organic sludge produced during treatment into biogas, which can be used to power facilities, offsetting a significant portion of energy costs. Investing in energy-efficient technologies, means companies reduce both their carbon footprint and their operational expenses, achieving a win-win for sustainability and the business.


Creates a circular economy in water conservation

By integrating wastewater into the circular economy model, what was once a liability can be turned into an asset, reducing the carbon footprint and operational costs alike. At its core, a circular economy approach seeks to keep resources in use for as long as possible. By treating and reusing wastewater, industries can minimise waste disposal and reduce their dependency on freshwater sources. This approach not only aligns with environmental goals but also decreases the need and reliance for costly freshwater supplies and wastewater disposal costs.


Regulatory compliance and risk mitigation

Navigating the regulatory landscape of industrial wastewater is no small task, but compliance is crucial. Regulations around wastewater discharge are becoming stricter worldwide as environmental protection is prioritised. DETA’s expertise sustainability services and wastewater management ensure that business practices meet and even exceed current local standards, minimising the risk of fines or other penalties, but also have capacity to adjust to future requirements too.


The path forward: investing in a sustainable future with DETA

Partnering with experienced sustainability consulting services in Australia and New Zealand, ensures the transition to sustainable practices are seamless and effective. With the right strategies and technologies, companies can turn wastewater from a costly waste stream into a valuable resource, demonstrating that profitability and environmental stewardship can go hand-in-hand. From regular monitoring, and industrial project management to continuous training of staff, DETA are here to help you every step of the way. 



Proactive Solutions for New Zealand’s Gas Challenges

by Anne-Maree Ward • 13 December 2024
Energy Efficiency and Conservation: Navigating New Zealand's Gas Challenges New Zealand’s energy market is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Rising gas prices, a steady decline in local gas production, and the country’s ambitious decarbonisation targets are creating significant pressure for businesses to adapt. The era of cheap, reliable gas is fading, and for industries that rely on it, the time to act is now. Businesses need to move beyond merely coping with the changes and start embracing practical, forward-thinking solutions that drive efficiency, reduce costs, and align with New Zealand’s sustainability objectives. While the pressure to reduce fossil fuel dependency grows, there’s an opportunity for businesses to innovate. By adopting energy-efficient technologies and lower carbon alternatives, companies can gain a competitive edge while managing the immediate impacts of the gas crisis and preparing for a future with more sustainable energy sources. The evolving gas landscape: what’s driving the change? New Zealand’s gas sector is in a state of flux, with local production dwindling and no imported natural gas available. On top of this, the government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is placing additional pressure on businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. For many businesses, continuing to rely on gas is no longer a sustainable long-term strategy. Now is the time to take a step back and consider alternative energy solutions that provide greater stability and long-term value. The path forward involves shifting away from traditional fossil fuels, investing in energy-efficient technologies, and exploring lower carbon energy alternatives. Energy efficiency: the key to resilience While facing such uncertainty in the energy market, energy efficiency is more than just a cost-saving measure—it’s key to building resilience. By reducing energy consumption, businesses can mitigate the financial impact of rising gas prices, all while contributing to New Zealand’s decarbonisation goals. Achieving energy efficiency means not only cutting down on costs but it also positions businesses as leaders in sustainability, supports the uptake of a continuous improvement mindset across the business, and reduces environmental impact. But considering energy efficiency alone isn’t enough. The real challenge lies in the broader energy supply-demand balance across New Zealand. As businesses look to transition away from gas, the energy must still come from somewhere and the market has to react. This is a massive challenge for NZ Inc but many businesses are looking at ways to be innovative and creative with their energy usage and procurement utilising tools like storage, flexible operation and long term contracts to not only create maximise value for their organisations but also to support New Zealand's energy transition.

Measuring up: the importance of energy audits in business

12 December 2024
Historically, auditing has been seen as an undesirable expense with little perceived value for businesses. With organisations failing to see the benefit of examining the finer details of their operations, and with staff assigned to prepare for the audit feeling like they've drawn the short straw, audits have never been fun. Until now. This is when energy audits enter the room to great fanfare. The shift towards sustainability , driven by environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, is reshaping how businesses approach energy consumption, waste management, and carbon footprint, and crucially, their relationship with audits. Energy audits are the one type of audit that delivers positivity; they are one of the most effective tools to help businesses reduce their environmental impact while boosting their bottom line through optimised processes and reducing costs. For organisations across Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific , understanding the significance of energy audits and how they lead to long-term cost savings, improved efficiency, and enhanced sustainability is fundamental to business success. Unpacking energy audits: the key to unlocking sustainability An energy audit is a comprehensive evaluation of a business's energy use and efficiency. Its primary goal is to uncover areas where energy is being wasted and identify opportunities for energy savings. This process is essential for any business aiming to improve its sustainability, reduce operating costs, and meet carbon reduction targets. Whether you are operating a small enterprise or managing a large industrial site, an energy audit provides actionable insights to reduce the environmental impact of the business and improve energy management. There are different types of energy audits, from Lite Audits offering a quick, low-risk assessment, to Detailed Energy Audits, which provide a more thorough and long-term analysis of energy use across the facilities. Both types of audits help you understand current energy consumption patterns and reveal the potential areas for energy efficiency improvements. From insight to action: why energy audits are a business game-changer Energy audits are not just about identifying problems; they are about identifying opportunities for improvement. By performing regular energy audits, businesses can benefit in the following ways: Cost savings One of the most immediate, attractive and tangible benefits of an energy audit is the potential for significant cost savings through the identification of inefficiencies that are costing the business or organisation money. For example, a company may be using outdated lighting or HVAC systems that consume excessive energy. Through equipment upgrades and optimisations , these inefficiencies can be corrected, leading to significant savings on utility bills. Energy audits are also adept at identifying unexpected bottlenecks in industrial processes and are often the first to highlight the potential for process optimisation, improving a business’s overall efficiency and profitability. 
Two construction workers are looking at a blueprint on a construction site.

From concept to completion: achieving industrial projects with sustainable agendas

12 December 2024
In today’s world, the intersection of industrial progress and sustainability has become a critical focus. As businesses and industries expand their reach, the importance of embedding sustainable practices into project management is no longer optional - it’s essential. By integrating sustainability principles from the early stages of a project through to completion, organisations can achieve not only economic gains but also valuable long-term environmental and societal benefits. The role of sustainability in industrial project management Sustainability in project management involves adopting practices that address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations throughout the project lifecycle. This shift reflects a growing recognition that industrial success isn’t just about profitability; it’s about creating enduring value for communities and the ecosystems on which we rely. Industries across New Zealand and Australia are increasingly collaborating with sustainability consultants and ESG consultants to align their projects with global sustainability standards. These professionals guide organisations in setting and achieving ambitious goals, whether it’s reducing carbon footprints, improving resource efficiency, or enhancing social responsibility. For instance, energy consultants in NZ play a pivotal role in industrial projects by conducting energy audits and offering insights into energy-efficient designs, ultimately lowering operational costs and environmental impact. Key strategies for embedding sustainability in industrial projects Implementing sustainability isn’t just about compliance - it’s about innovation. Here’s how industrial project teams incorporate sustainability into their processes: 1. Defining clear sustainability goals Every successful project begins with a clear roadmap. Sustainability goals should align with both organisational values and broader environmental targets, such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Collaborating with energy efficiency consultants and process engineering consultants helps businesses define measurable objectives, such as achieving specific reductions in energy consumption or waste. For example, organisations in the manufacturing sector can work with energy management services in NZ or Australia to develop energy audit services to pinpoint inefficiencies and identify greener alternatives. 
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