At a time when the demand for freshwater supplies continues to rise, changing weather patterns such as prolonged droughts and heavy rainfall are posing increasing challenges for water management. Flanders, known for its geographical location and high population density, is one of the European regions with the least available drinking water per capita. As a result, innovative circular initiatives have become essential to ensuring sustainable solutions for the future.
The Keiberg Vossem project in Tervuren, realized by the city and Interleuven, is a model of forward-thinking water management. This sustainable business park focuses strongly on local energy production, biodiversity, and sustainable water management. As an approved pilot project for drought, it also receives financial support from the Flemish government via the Blue Deal, emphasizing the strategic importance of this initiative.
In this pilot project, carried out in collaboration with Azulatis and De Watergroep, rainwater from the site is collected in a specially constructed basin. This water is then treated in a Nuoro installation, located in a technical building next to the basin. After purification, the water is returned via a second water supply network to the business park, where it is used by various companies for a range of applications. It is crucial that this water is microbiologically safe, requiring sufficient disinfection.
The Nuoro installation uses ultrafiltration (UF) to remove microorganisms. In addition, activated carbon filtration (ACF) is applied to eliminate dissolved organic substances such as PFAS, as well as color and odor. The ACF is further optimized for thorough polishing, with a bed contact time of several minutes, ensuring the quality of the purified water.
The project uses a collective recovery system, making circular water use not only more achievable but also more robust compared to individual systems. By redistributing the volume more effectively, the chance of running dry is reduced. Although pooling resources increases the financial viability of rainwater recovery, the actual cost of purified water remains higher than that of tap water, presenting a key challenge for the future.
The use of the ‘aquifer storage and recovery’ (ASR) technique in this project is also a pioneering step. Excess treated rainwater is infiltrated into the groundwater table, where it is stored for dry periods. This prevents water from overflowing into the sewer system. ASR helps balance the demand and supply of water but also requires careful consideration of the quality of the injected water. Since drinking water is sourced from nearby, it is crucial that micropollutants are completely removed.
Curious how Nuoro can support your organization with water management projects or interested in the possibilities of rainwater recovery?
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