Over the next two years, the drinking water laboratory WLN in Glimmen will conduct water quality analyses for De Ultieme Waterfabriek (The Ultimate Water Factory). This project explores the direct use of treated wastewater as a source for drinking water. “We can now detect substances that were previously beyond our capabilities,” says Jeroen van Nuil, lab manager at WLN.
In this innovative initiative, water boards, drinking water companies, and research institutions—including STOWA, KWR, and WiCE—are collaborating to investigate how treated wastewater can be safely and reliably repurposed as a drinking water source. A key part of the project is the demonstration plant at NieuWater in Emmen. This initiative is vital for finding sustainable solutions to the growing challenge of water scarcity.
“A unique project,” says Van Nuil. “It contributes to the future of water management in the Netherlands and offers potential solutions to water shortages worldwide.” The site already produces ultra-pure water for industrial use from treated wastewater. WLN, which was involved in designing that facility, will now help determine if and how drinking water can be safely produced from treated wastewater, meeting both chemical and biological safety standards.
Comprehensive Monitoring
Monitoring the removal of chemical substances, bacteria, viruses, and other undesirable organisms from treated wastewater requires extensive water quality research. “There are very few organizations capable of meeting all the demands of this project,” Van Nuil explains. WLN serves as the main contractor, working closely with other water laboratories such as KWR, Vitens, Aqualab Zuid, and Het Waterlaboratorium.
For existing drinking water facilities that use surface water, microbiological analysis is already mandatory. For this project, a chemical risk analysis will also be conducted. WLN plays a critical role here, employing advanced screening techniques to identify unknown substances in the water. “These techniques allow us to detect thousands of substances that were previously undetectable,” says Van Nuil. Screening provides a comprehensive overview of the chemical composition and the removal efficiency of various substances, without relying on prior assumptions. WLN has made significant investments in these technologies over recent years.
Sampling Challenges
“Another key aspect of the demonstration project is planning the sample collection precisely, in collaboration with the client. Unlike groundwater, the composition and concentration of chemicals in this project vary significantly due to factors like weather conditions and sewer discharges,” Van Nuil explains. “This makes determining the optimal timing for sampling more complex.”
Ultimately, the project aims to demonstrate to the Dutch Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate that purified wastewater can be safely used to produce drinking water.
New Business is a recurring column in H2O Magazine, published quarterly, focusing on Dutch innovations in water technology. Alongside an introduction by Water Alliance Director Hein Molenkamp, the column features a showcase of various companies.
