From Survey to Pilot: Advancing Wastewater Reuse in Industrial Parks

In response to challenges related to water security, climate change, and the growing need for green transformation in industrial production, the STARS Water Center at Tra Vinh University is conducting surveys at industrial parks and working with relevant departments, agencies, and local authorities to assess the potential for reusing treated wastewater. These efforts aim to promote eco-industrial parks and a circular economy in the Mekong Delta.

These activities are being carried out under the Pilot Program on Wastewater Reuse and Circular Economy Transition in the Mekong Delta (ACE-Biz – MRD Water Next Phase), led by Tra Vinh University, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Viet Nam and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and technical advisory support from Saxion University of Applied Sciences (the Netherlands).

Field Surveys to Assess the Potential for Water Reuse in Industrial Parks

During the preliminary survey phase, the STARS Water Center focuses on collecting information on the existing water supply infrastructure, centralized wastewater treatment systems, operational capacity, water demand, and the potential for reusing treated wastewater at industrial parks and tenant enterprises.

The survey covers the provinces of Tây Ninh, Đồng Tháp, and Vĩnh Long, involving industrial park management boards, infrastructure investors and operators, and enterprises operating within industrial parks.

Through surveys and consultations with relevant stakeholders, the program aims to identify potential sources of treated wastewater for reuse, determine water demand based on the specific characteristics of different industries, and assess the technical, economic, and environmental conditions required to implement appropriate pilot models. The findings will also provide a basis for selecting pilot sites, target participants, and suitable technological solutions for the next testing phase.

Strengthening Coordination with Government Departments and Agencies

In addition to conducting surveys at industrial parks and enterprises, the STARS Water Center prioritizes engagement with government departments, agencies, and local authorities to exchange information, review implementation conditions, and promote inter-agency coordination in the effective management and use of water resources.

The discussions focus on environmental management and environmental permits; planning and infrastructure for water supply and drainage; green industrial development; technology transfer for wastewater treatment and reuse; and access to financial resources for circular solutions.

Coordination among government agencies, industrial park management boards, enterprises, and research institutions plays an important role in identifying implementation conditions suited to local contexts. It also helps address challenges related to investment costs, water quality requirements, operational procedures, and policy frameworks.

From Survey to Pilot: Testing Technological Solutions

Based on the survey findings, the program aims to investigate and test solutions for treated wastewater reuse following the fit-for-purpose principle, which involves treating water to a quality level appropriate for its intended use.

One of the technological options under consideration is a mobile Nanofiltration (NF) membrane system. Depending on the influent water quality and intended applications, the treated water may be evaluated for suitable uses such as irrigation, facility cleaning, road washing, and other industrial auxiliary purposes.

The next phase is expected to focus on implementing a pilot model, monitoring water quality, and evaluating operational performance and costs. The results will provide a technical basis for assessing the potential replication of the solution at industrial parks with suitable conditions.

Towards a Circular and Sustainable Industrial Ecosystem

Through the ACE-Biz – MRD Water Next Phase program, the initiative aims to promote a circular approach to water management, in which treated wastewater is considered a secondary resource that can be safely and efficiently reused when it meets the required technical and environmental standards.

Wastewater reuse has the potential to reduce demand for freshwater sources, improve resource efficiency, help enterprises strengthen their resilience to water shortages, and reduce pressure on receiving water bodies. It also creates opportunities to strengthen linkages between industry and other water-using sectors, in line with the development of eco-industrial parks and a circular economy.

By connecting research, technology, and practical implementation, the STARS Water Center at Tra Vinh University continues to foster collaboration among academia, government agencies, enterprises, and international partners. These efforts aim to develop water management and reuse solutions suited to the Mekong Delta, enhance resilience to climate change, and contribute to sustainable regional development.