Opportunities for improvement in a potabilization plant based on cleaner production: Experimental and theoretical investigations

Cleaner Production (CP) has been studied mainly in the productive sector, ignoring that drinking water treatment plants (DWTP) a better environmental performance can be achieved. The objective of this study was to evaluate processes DWTP order improve production, reduce impact and generate economic savings, for which cleaner production plan implementing. methodology recommended by UNIDO used. Three CP opportunities were evaluated identified. After, each opportunity, technical, feasibility analysis carried out. results indicated implementing first opportunity (Good housekeeping), it will save reducing number filter washes 29400 m 3 /year, without any investment, so gains immediate. With second chance CP, water-saving 23256 /year achieved recirculating from filters decanters. investment is small, recovery period 2.4 months. third option, based on coagulant change, would have an annual financial savings 5361.12 USD, with immediate payback period. showed applications proposed significantly consumption WDTP, being able implemented short medium-term, large investments, allowing address scarcity today future. • application good housekeeping washing are economically environmentally feasible. change coagulants allows volume wastewater. By settlers, strategies could used washing.