The Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) uses wastewater high in Total
Dissolved Solids (TDS) as a resource to save precious groundwater. Reusing
high-TDS water is a challenge and is often considered impossible for many
reuse applications. This paper presents some of Saudi Aramco's methods and
lessons learned that make reusing high-TDS water possible.
The company owns and operates wastewater treatment and reuse facilities
throughout Saudi Arabia. These facilities reclaim approximately 20 million
gallons of water per day with TDS ranging 1,800-3,500 mg/l. Reuse saves
groundwater for many uses and avoids the high cost of seawater desalination.
Saudi Aramco's major reuse applications include: golf course irrigation,
landscape irrigation, sod farming, and habitats for migrating birds. Includes table.