Safe reuse of treated urban wastewater in Praia, Cape Verde: a case study

Dissertação para a obtenção do Grau de Mestre em Engenharia e Gestão da ÁguaCape Verde is one of the countries where the socio-economic development and growth are diminishing due to problems of water scarcity. The effects are more noticeable in the city of Praia, with a population of about 131.719 inhabitants2. This is due to the rapid urban development and the consequent special needs such as irrigation, industry and tourism. The region has suffered for several consecutive years the phenomenon of drought, which makes this occurrence an easily predictable one and turns the lack of water into a factor that constrains the development and well-being of the city. Consequently, it is imperative to recognize the value of water and to create a good strategy to ration its use, along with finding ways to mobilize new resources. The presented study was developed using a methodology based on the use of the treatment, purification and reuse of wastewater technology, as well as secure ways reusing it for compatible proposes. The work also includes a technical and economic analysis related to the development of the implementation project, in which were studied several alternatives that allow the reuse of treated water from the city of Praia to the current flow, as well as for future expansions. The presented results indicate that there must be followed an objective orientation in order to define the quality parameters and the complementary actions necessary to ensure a safe re-use of water from the direct point of view of human health to the green areas, such as agricultural areas or spaces for public use. Thus, it’s important to consider the preparation and development of awareness campaigns for the population of Cape Verde, involving local authorities and the social formation as a driving force to promote the efficient use of water, knowledge of the quality parameters and prevent waterborne diseases. To improve the monitoring of water quality in general is essential to plan and organize a study of international comparison of water quality laboratories in different regions, and promote the development of specialized seminars to improve technical capacity. To promote the treatment and reuse of treated water are virtual training platforms to develop and promote the exchange of experience in these fields. These initiatives will be strengthened through research and technical assistance to assess the potential and develop specific projects of self-wastewater treatment and reuse