AWWA REUSE52107

The Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi ARAMCO) believes wastewater is a resource that should not be wasted. The company owns and operates many water reclamation facilities in Saudi Arabia. In the Eastern Province,the company reclaims over 10 million gallons per day (mgd) of water at five wastewater treatment plants. The groundwater in the populated areas of the Eastern Province is dropping by roughly half a meter per year. Reuse conserves precious groundwater. Residents are served by four separate pipeline systems to minimize water use and costs. Reclaimed water is used for landscaping, public parks, athletic fields, and sod farming. The wastewater is high in total dissolved solids (TDS) in these communities, but there are many useful plants that can tolerate the higher than normal salinity. This paper summarizes Saudi ARAMCO's water reuse efforts in the Eastern Province. Includes tables.