Using innovative water reuse systems to meet water conservation goals in Georgia’s poultry processing industry

Proceedings of the 2009 Georgia Water Resources Conference, April 27, 28, and 29, 2009 Athens, Georgia.In 2007, Georgia poultry processors slaughtered over 1.3 billion broilers (14.4% of U.S. production) in 21 processing plants across the state. Commercial broiler processing plants use an average of 6.9 gallons of potable water per bird, with most plants falling in the 5-10 gallon range. Thus in 2007 alone, Georgia poultry processors used approximately 9 billion gallons of water. Much of this water is used for scalding, chilling, bird washing, and plant sanitation. The water is also the primary means by which offal (inedible solids) is transported out of the various processing areas for collection and separation from wastewater. Recent severe drought conditions in Georgia and the adoption of the Georgia Statewide Comprehensive Water Plan (with subsequent development of the Water Conservation Implementation Plan) have placed new emphasis on water conservation by traditional industrial users. To meet these new demands while maintaining or in many cases increasing production, Georgia poultry processors have turned to innovative water reuse systems that maximize water use efficiency while maintaining strict food safety requirements. Current systems utilized by poultry processors are presented with advantages and disadvantages of each explored. A case study is presented showing the decision making process employed by the plant management team in water reuse technology selection. Results and impact of the water reuse system are also presented.Sponsored by: Georgia Environmental Protection Division U.S. Geological Survey, Georgia Water Science Center U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Water Resources Institute The University of Georgia, Water Resources FacultyThis book was published by Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602-2152. The views and statements advanced in this publication are solely those of the authors and do not represent official views or policies of The University of Georgia, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Georgia Water Research Institute as authorized by the Water Research Institutes Authorization Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-307) or the other conference sponsors