Wastewater recovery (water reuse / water reclamation) is an advanced technology application that involves preparing treated wastewater for reuse at different quality levels for various purposes. In Turkey, water stress is increasing, making recovery a economic and strategic necessity for both industrial and municipal sectors.
Water recovery applications are designed at 4 quality levels according to their intended use:
- Type A (High): Drinking water, all fruit-vegetable irrigation — UF+RO+UV
- Type B (Medium-High): Non-edible plants, urban landscaping — UF+UV
- Type C (Medium): Industrial processes, cooling tower — sand filter+UF
- Type D (Low): Agricultural irrigation (irrigation water standard) — sand filter+chlorine
Arsistek recovery solutions include a combination of biological treatment followed by UF (ultrafiltration) + RO (reverse osmosis) + advanced oxidation (UV/H2O2) + disinfection.
Why Wastewater Recovery?
Turkey is among the water-stressed countries with a per capita water availability of 1,300 m³/year. This figure is expected to drop to 1,100 by 2030. For the industrial, agricultural, and municipal sectors, water recovery is a strategic necessity.
The economic reasons are also strong:
- Water cost: City water 12-25 TL/m³, recovery 4-8 TL/m³
- Risk of wastewater discharge penalties: Recovery eliminates this risk
- Sustainability credit: ESG report, EU CBAM compliance
- Risk of production interruption: Water scarcity during drought periods is prevented
Modern industrial facilities aim for a water recovery rate of 70-95%.
UF Ultrafiltration
With a pore size of 0.01-0.1 µm, UF retains bacteria, viruses, and suspended solids at %99.99. Outlet quality: SDI <3, AKM <1 mg/L, turbidity <0.1 NTU.
Modern UF modules are long-lasting (5-10 years) with automatic backwashing (every 30-60 minutes) and chemical cleaning (CIP).
RO Reverse Osmosis
The UF output goes to the RO where dissolved salts, organics, and micropollutants are removed. Permeate conductivity <50 µS/cm — drinking water quality.
With modern energy recovery turbines (ERT/ERD), electricity consumption is 2.5-3.5 kWh/m³ — half of what it was 10 years ago.
Application Areas and Legislation
Reference legislation for water recovery in Turkey:
- SKKY Table 23: Irrigation Water Quality Standards (agricultural)
- SKKY Table 24: Groundwater Recharge
- Wastewater Recovery Regulation: Type A-D classification
- EU 2020/741: Minimum requirements for agricultural irrigation (to be referenced)
Typical applications:
- Industrial: Cooling tower makeup, facility washing, non-food processes
- Agriculture: Drip irrigation, surface irrigation (according to class)
- Urban: Park-garden irrigation, toilet flushing (purple piping)
- Environmental: Groundwater recharge, wetland restoration
Advantages of Recovery Solution
Recovery Reference Projects
8 visuals will be added soon — stay tuned for our reference projects and facility photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
City water costs between 12-25 TL/m³ in Turkey (depending on the region). The wastewater recovery system produces water at a cost of 4-8 TL/m³. It provides a savings of 50-70%. The system investment pays for itself in 3-7 years.
UF: 5-10 years (with automatic backwashing + CIP). RO: 4-7 years (depending on pre-treatment quality). Maximum lifespan is achieved with proper pre-treatment and regular CIP.
Almost all sectors. Automotive (90% prevalent), textile (70+%), food (50-70%), paper (50%), chemical (60-80). Applicable for OSBs and all industrial sectors.
3 main methods: 1) Discharge — within suitable limits (generally 15-25% volume), 2) Evaporation + crystallization — for ZLD, 3) Brine recovery — specific applications (e.g. mining metal recovery).
Yes, it is safe with the correct type selection and regular monitoring. Type A (highest) is for all plant varieties, Type B-C is for medium risk. P pathogens are retained at 99.99% with UF+RO+UV. Compliance with EU 2020/741 is recommended.
For a capacity of 1,000 m³/day, approximately 150-200 m² (UF + RO + disinfection). Can be placed inside a container (mobile facility). Generally added next to the existing wastewater treatment plant.