The biggest wastewater plants in the world are marvels of engineering. They process many millions of gallons of wastewater per day before discharging back into rivers and seas.
As global populations grow, so does the importance of wastewater treatment. Access to clean and safe water is one of the biggest challenges facing the world in the 21st century.
Here are five of the biggest wastewater plants currently in operation based on their daily treatment capacity.
Beijing No. 4 Wastewater Treatment Plant: 1.6 billion gallons
Beijing No. 4 Wastewater Treatment Plant stands as one of the biggest in the world. With a daily treatment capacity of 1.6 billion gallons (6 million cubic meters), it processes much of the wastewater generated by the Chinese capital’s 22 million residents.
The plant was opened in 2006 and is part of Beijing’s extensive wastewater treatment infrastructure, which aims to treat 95 percent of the city’s wastewater by 2025.
It uses Membrane Bioreactor Technology. MBR combines biological treatment and filtration systems to remove impurities from the water.
In addition to its sheer capacity, the plant is noted for its advanced approach to water reuse. A significant portion of the treated water is sent back into the city for non-potable uses, such as irrigation and industrial processes.
This reflects China’s growing focus on sustainability and environmental protection, especially in the face of rapid urbanisation and water scarcity.
Jiangnan Wastewater Treatment Plant: 1.2 billion gallons
China’s position as a leading nation in wastewater treatment is strengthened by the Jiangnan Wastewater Treatment Plant, serving the city of Guangzhou.
Located in the south of the country, Jiangnan has a daily treatment capacity of 1.2 billion gallons (4.5 million cubic meters). It handles both industrial wastewater from the city’s numerous factories and domestic wastewater from households.
The plant uses an integrated approach combining Activated Sludge and Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) processes. BNR removes organic pollutants and reduces levels of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus.
This is crucial in preventing nutrient pollution in receiving waters, which can lead to harmful algal blooms and eutrophication.
Like Beijing No. 4, Jiangnan plays a role in water reclamation by returning treated water to the city for non-potable uses.
Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant: 450 million gallons
The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant is located in Los Angeles, California. It is the biggest of all wastewater treatment plants in the United States, serving over four million residents and processing an impressive 450 million gallons (1.7 million cubic meters) of wastewater daily.
Established in 1934, Hyperion has undergone multiple upgrades to incorporate modern technologies. Alongside wastewater pipe repair projects, this ensures it remains one of the largest and most efficient plants in the world.
The plant uses the Activated Sludge Process, which relies on microorganisms to break down organic matter in wastewater. This method is widely used and has been optimised at Hyperion to handle large volumes of wastewater.
Hyperion plays a significant role in resource recovery, with processes in place to convert waste into energy through biogas production.
It has expanded its scope beyond wastewater treatment, emphasising the recycling of water. Much of the treated water is used for irrigation and industrial purposes, helping to reduce Los Angeles’ overall demand for freshwater at a time when California has suffered record drought.
By treating so much of the city’s water, Hyperion also provides environmental protection through reducing pollution entering the Pacific Ocean.
Changi Water Reclamation Plant: 140 million gallons
The Changi Water Reclamation Plant in Singapore opened in 2008 and is one of the most advanced wastewater treatment facilities in the world.
Although its daily capacity of 140 million gallons (530,000 cubic meters) is smaller than others, the plant is a world leader in integrating innovative technologies for water reuse and sustainability.
The facility employs Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technology, which allows for superior filtration and water quality compared to traditional methods.
In addition, the plant also uses Reverse Osmosis (RO) to produce high-grade treated water. This is then reused for industrial, commercial, and even potable purposes through the NEWater program.
NEWater is one of Singapore’s initiatives to recycle treated wastewater for drinking, addressing the country’s limited freshwater resources.
Changi plays an important role in Singapore’s vision of being water-sustainable and self-sufficient. The plant contributes to reducing the nation’s dependence on imported water and helps ensure Singapore’s water supply remains robust and resilient, even as the population continues to grow.
Kingston Wastewater Treatment Plants: 85 million gallons
The Kingston Wastewater Treatment Plant plays a vital role in the water infrastructure of Canada. It is one of the biggest wastewater treatment plants in the Great White North and a leader in sustainability.
Located in Kingston, Ontario, the plant opened in 1980 and currently processes 85 million gallons(320,000 cubic meters) of wastewater daily.
The facility uses secondary treatment through the Activated Sludge process, which effectively removes organic material from wastewater.
As well as traditional treatment processes, Kingston has integrated advanced technologies to reduce energy consumption.
The plant uses biogas produced during the treatment process to generate power for its operations, contributing to the facility’s energy efficiency.
It releases its treated water directly into Lake Ontario and also provides high-quality treated effluent which is used in local agricultural irrigation projects.
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