The Role of EPCs in the Circular Water Economy

Imagine cities where every drop of water is reused, waste is repurposed, and little is disposed of. As urban populations soar, this vision of a circular economy is not just a dream but a necessity. By 2050, the global urban population is projected to nearly double, posing the question of how we will meet growing demands without depleting natural resources.

The circular economy redefines how we produce and consume resources. Instead of the "take-make-dispose" model, it emphasises reusing, refurbishing, and recycling materials to extend their lifecycle. This economic shift is especially critical in the water sector, where scarcity is becoming acute. Over two billion people currently live in highly water-stressed countries, with four billion experiencing severe water scarcity for at least one month of the year. As population growth, resource consumption, and climate change converge, communities and industries must change the purposes and functions of their existing and planned infrastructure to ensure resilience, equity, and economic growth.

According to the World Bank, some regions could see their GDP growth rates decline by six per cent by 2050 because of water-related losses in agriculture, health, and prosperity.

Cities and various industrial facilities now have an opportunity to build infrastructure that accounts for these threats. With circular economy thinking, adjustments to infrastructure design can have tremendous effects on urban sustainability and planning, setting a foundation for future generations.

The Path Forward

At BW Water , we believe water is at the heart of the circular economy. However, transforming this potential into reality requires a collective effort.

Implementing circular economy principles in water treatment facilities necessitates overcoming technical, financial, and social barriers. Collaboration is key. Historically, different parts of the sector have operated in silos, interacting on a transactional basis. To make significant strides, these parties must unite to reduce waste, preserve natural resources, and minimise carbon footprints.

As climate change pushes both public utilities and private companies to rethink resource procurement and consumption, partnering with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) firms becomes essential. EPCs bring specialised knowledge and experience that many industries and municipalities don’t keep in-house. This expertise is crucial for tackling large-scale infrastructure projects, from designing methane recovery systems to developing mining material recovery facilities.

EPCs also offer insights into cutting-edge digital solutions and technical expertise to optimise plant operations. By leveraging advanced technologies, they can help streamline processes, reduce energy consumption, and maximise resource recovery. This shift from selling treatment technologies to providing comprehensive services fosters long-term partnerships and sustainable growth.

However, several barriers hinder the widespread adoption of circular economy practices in the water sector. These include:

• Technical Challenges: Many existing water treatment systems are outdated and not equipped to recover and reuse resources. Upgrading these systems requires significant investment and technical expertise.
• Financial Constraints: The initial capital required for implementing circular economy solutions can be substantial. Securing funding and demonstrating long-term return on investment can be challenging.
• Regulatory Hurdles: Regulatory frameworks often lag behind technological advancements. Navigating complex regulations and obtaining necessary approvals can hinder innovation.
• Cultural Resistance: Shifting from a linear to a circular mindset requires organisational cultural change.
• Technology Selection: Choosing the right technology for the desired treatment scheme can be challenging, especially when space is limited.

Despite the barriers, transitioning to a circular economy presents substantial economic opportunities. Estimates suggest that embracing circular economy principles could unlock US$4.5 trillion in global economic growth by 2030. This growth comes from reducing waste, improving business efficiency, and creating new employment opportunities. Moreover, it aligns with Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to ecosystem regeneration and protection.

BW Water and Circular Economy

A Southeast Asian water utility envisioned a 20,000 m3/day water treatment plant to meet local demand. However, its source water was polluted with high levels of Boron, total dissolved solids, and turbidity as high as 800 NTU.

The water provider needed external support to design, procure, and construct a treatment solution so that it could focus on operations and distribute quality drinking water to its customers. They chose BW Water to provide a turnkey service of engineering, furnishing, and building a treatment train, including BW Water's Hydro-PAQ? , to address the source water's poor quality.

In cooperation with a local wastewater plant, the utility's water plant began operation in December 2021 and has provided safe drinking water since. Water distributed to customers had a significant reduction in Boron and TDS levels, while turbidity dropped to <5 NTU.

From Linear to Circular

The global shift from a linear to a circular consumption and design model is essential for sustainable resource management, especially in the water sector. Key infrastructure decisions made today will determine how well we can accommodate the massive influx of urban populations and growing water demand amid a changing climate.

BW Water is at the forefront of this transformation, helping industrial facilities and communities reimagine their water infrastructure. By integrating circular economy principles, we can optimise existing resources, reduce waste, and create sustainable systems that serve communities and industries for generations.

Join BW Water in pioneering the shift to a circular water economy. Contact us today to learn how we can help you transition to circular economy practices, ensuring a sustainable future for all.