The treated wastewater reuse unit (Reut) at the Haliotis plant was inaugurated on July 4, 2023. This innovative project is a technological response to water wastage and the increasing episodes of drought associated with climate change.
This project is the largest in the field of treated wastewater reuse in France, addressing the country’s lag in wastewater reuse, with only 0.6% of water being recycled, compared to 80% in Israel, 14% in Spain, and 8% in Italy.
A pilot unit for the reuse of treated wastewater
Following the project’s approval by the government, a pilot unit capable of producing 240 m3 of water per day was commissioned at Haliotis, amounting to 87,000 m3 per year. The water quality is certified as European Class A, ensuring the highest level of sanitary requirements.
Gradually until autumn, the pilot unit will be used for the watering of Phoenix Park, with a direct injection of treated wastewater into the city’s raw water network. This water will also be used for street cleaning, hydroflushing of networks, and irrigation of other green spaces.
The system has dual benefits: it avoids the use of drinking water for non-potable purposes and helps reduce costs.
A long-term vision for the future of water in Nice
The project of treated wastewater reuse is just one part of a broader policy aimed at securing the water resource. The Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis will invest 50 million euros per year over the next decade, both for water supply and sanitation purposes. Furthermore, 143 million euros have been invested over the past 10 years to secure water supply and preserve the water resource.
The most emblematic project of the next ten years will be the modernization of the Haliotis II wastewater treatment plant, with an estimated cost of 700 million euros. This energy-positive wastewater treatment plant will treat the wastewater from 26 municipalities, representing over 70% of the metropolitan population, and will produce four times more energy than it consumes. The Haliotis II plant will recycle 4.8 million cubic meters of water per year, thereby meeting the raw water needs of the city of Nice.
The modernization works will commence in the second half of 2024 and are expected to be completed by 2029.
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