Over-population and climate change is wreaking havoc with the seasons, causing less water to fall in some areas and more in others; this has resulted in massive water-shortages in various regions across the globe and prompted the need for everyone and every industry to save water wherever possible.

Water Reuse Projects are essential given the scarcity of freshwater in drought-stricken areas across the globe, and equipping wastewater plants with non-potable or reclaimed water reuse systems is vital as this will reduce water demand, reduce the costs of the outfall system and provide revenue for the water utility.

The 900-MW Sandy Creek Energy Station in Riesel, Texas makes use of technology for coal-fuelled plants; the utilisation of steam generators and technology designed for sustainability through efficient, low-emission systems, processes and components. The energy station also utilises reclaimed water from the Waco Metropolitan Area Regional Sewerage System wastewater treatment plant located 2 miles away as its cooling water.

The reclaimed water is delivered to the energy station using advanced valve systems. Pumps consume energy to overcome the static head and friction losses, and ball valves are used for discharge applications as a way to provide energy savings.

Valve selection can play an important role in energy savings, and using electricity as opposed to coal reduces the need for burning fossil fuels and creating greenhouse gases. The AWWA ball valves being used are also able to control changes in flow rate to prevent check valve slam and surges in pipelines.

By using the correct valves in the reclaimed water reuse systems and pipes that transport the water to the energy station, the pipeline is protected from rapid changes in velocity when the pumps are started. Using compressed air and hydraulic oil further adds to the savings on costs.

The new system also provides local control of the valve and prevents accidental spillages that can waste millions of litres of water. It is fervently hoped that more energy stations will make use of Water Reuse Projects.

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