ACE-Biz: Reusing industrial wastewater in the Mekong Delta
The ACE-Biz pilot led by STARS Water Center helps businesses assess opportunities to reuse treated wastewater, test mobile membrane filtration, and develop technical guidance tailored to their water needs.
- Timeline
- 2026–2027
- Location
- Tây Ninh · Vĩnh Long · Đồng Tháp
- Status
- Active
Partners
Water reuse
Treated water can meet suitable water needs.
Water demand in manufacturing and industrial services is growing, while drought, saltwater intrusion, and pressure on supplies call for greater resilience. Reusing treated wastewater can reduce reliance on incoming freshwater, provided the water meets the requirements of its intended use and operational risks are managed.
In the ACE-Biz pilot in the Mekong Delta and other project locations, STARS Water Center is working with businesses, authorities, and partners to assess water needs, existing treatment systems, and opportunities for reuse. The program aims to engage more than 60 businesses and industrial park management boards, then select a suitable site for a mobile nanofiltration system.
The approach starts with existing wastewater treatment systems and identifies any additional treatment needed for uses such as irrigation, cleaning, cooling, or equipment supply. Evidence from the assessments and pilot will inform technical guidance, policy dialogue, and support for businesses developing practical adoption plans.
How it works
From assessing demand to practical guidance on site.
The program combines technical assessments, field testing, and engagement with relevant stakeholders.
- 01
Assess current systems
Review water needs, treatment capacity, treated effluent quality, existing infrastructure, and barriers at businesses and industrial parks.
- 02
Match quality to use
Define the treatment level each use requires instead of applying a single technical standard to every need.
- 03
Test mobile membrane filtration
A 200–300 L/hour nanofiltration unit is planned for a selected business to gather operational data and assess feasibility.
- 04
Develop guidance and connections
Turn lessons into technical guidance, hold consultations, help businesses prepare relevant documentation, and explore green finance opportunities.
Technical pilot
Add filtration steps to suit the intended water use.
A mobile nanofiltration system is planned downstream of the existing wastewater treatment process at a selected facility. Pilot results will help the team assess output water quality, operating conditions, and costs before proposing wider use. Any use of treated water must still reflect its specific purpose and applicable legal requirements.