DUBAI (Aug. 3, 2016) – Xylem Inc. announced that it has signed a $13 million USD contract to supply an integrated wastewater treatment solution for water reuse as part of the Manfouha sewage treatment plant expansion in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In partnership with Al Muhaidib Contracting, Xylem’s ICEAS SBR technology will facilitate the efficient and effective treatment of wastewater at the plant, which will be reused for irrigation and agriculture in the region.
The treatment plant expansion began in Q1 2016 and scheduled to be operational by Q2 2018. When complete, it will cater for an anticipated population increase and will generate 200,000 cubic meters per day (m3/d) of average sewage flow for treatment and reuse. The treatment solution developed for this plant includes a number of Xylem products including its Sanitaire ICEAS advanced sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and Flygt pumps.
“We are pleased to support the country’s ambitious water reuse target by providing smart and sustainable water technologies," said Vincent Chirouze, regional director, Xylem Middle East and Africa. "Our solution demonstrates the depth and breadth of our expertise and our ability to provide integrated solutions to complex water challenges.”
Water scarcity is one of the most significant challenges in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East region. To combat this, $66 billion USD of long-term capital investments have been committed to water and sanitation projects in Saudi Arabia over the next 10 years. Water reuse projects are becoming increasingly common as an alternative means of meeting rising water demands.
Saudi Arabia’s government aims to achieve 100 percent wastewater reuse from cities with 5,000 inhabitants or more by 2025, for agricultural and industrial use. It is also investing up to $23 billion USD in the country’s sewage collection and treatment infrastructure over the next 20 years.
“We are proud to partner with Xylem and manage this project that contributes to Saudi Arabia’s strategy of increasing water reuse across the country,” said Salem AlKhudairi, chief commercial officer, Al Muhaidib Contracting.