Optimization of Integrated Water and Wastewater Systems: Case Study of Beirut, Lebanon
Publication: World Environmental and Water Resource Congress 2006: Examining the Confluence of Environmental and Water Concerns
Abstract
The water problems of the Middle East and other similarly arid regions are not isolated within any given segment of the water cycle, nor is it efficient to consider the challenges of water supply, demand, disposal and reuse independently. This paper presents an integrated linear, deterministic optimization model developed to determine the minimum cost configuration of future water supply, wastewater disposal, and reuse options for Beirut, Lebanon. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate an optimization model of the entire anthropogenic water cycle. The model includes interconnections between supply, demand, disposal and reuse, thereby minimizing the cost of both water supply and wastewater disposal simultaneously. By distinguishing between potable and nonpotable demands and permitting the supply of a lower grade of water to some demands, our results reveal new opportunities for cost-reductions in Beirut's water system. After use of inexpensive conventional sources, reclamation and reuse are shown to be more cost-effective than desalination to provide nonpotable water for toilet flushing, lawn watering and irrigation. Furthermore, if nonpotable aquifer recharge were permitted, reclaimed water from the centralized wastewater treatment plant could be used to augment Greater Beirut's coastal aquifer, which in turn could supply increased quantities of both potable and nonpotable water to the urban sectors.
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Copyright
© 2006 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Apr 26, 2012
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Business management
- Case studies
- Developing countries
- Ecosystems
- Engineering fundamentals
- Environmental engineering
- Methodology (by type)
- Practice and Profession
- Research methods (by type)
- Wastewater management
- Water and water resources
- Water conservation
- Water demand
- Water management
- Water policy
- Water reclamation
- Water supply
- Water supply systems
- Water treatment
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