(3/22/2017) The United Nations (UN) has chosen the theme “Wastewater” as a central issue of discussion for the World Water Day 2017, which will be celebrated on March 22. The topic reaches out to the environmental objectives of Paranapanema, the largest Brazilian producer of copper. Since 2016, the company has used reclaimed water in 94% of the water needs of the industrial plant in Santo André (SP), from an internal structure for abstraction and treatment of rainwater from sewage and industrial processes. By implementing the line of straight tubes in the plant, in operation since February 2016, the company has established a partnership with the Projeto Aquapolo to keep its reclaimed water consumption level.

Aquapolo, a partnership between Odebrecht Ambiental and Sabesp, treats building sewage systems linked to the collecting system in the region and provides the companies of ABC’s Petrochemical Center for use in processes that do not require drinking water. Paranapanema is the first company out of the Center to establish partnership with the project. The agreement provides for the supply of 11 m³ of reclaimed water per hour, about 7.9 million liters of reclaimed water per month to furnish industrial and Utilities sectors. The volume represents 35% of cost reduction in comparison with the values that would be spent if it used water from the supply network.

“An industry the size and segment of Paranapanema requires large amounts of water, especially for processes such as metal cooling and cleaning of equipment. The management of this natural resource is therefore of fundamental importance both for the company’s activity and for its responsibility as a big consumer. This way, the strategic planning of Paranapanema contemplates both the reduction of consumption and the smart use of the resource”, explains Evandro Schmidt Pause, Industrial Director of the copper manufacturer.

With its internal structure, comprising a reservoir to catch rain water and industrial water treatment plants, sewage and mud, Paranapanema retrieves roughly 77 million liters per month. Last year, the company handled and reused 925 million liters of water, which would amount to 370 olympic-sized swimming pools, which makes the plant almost self-sufficient, protecting natural resources.

Besides a built-in mechanism for catchment and treatment, the company also has a system that monitors the supply of the resource to the main manufacturing sectors and allows to daily perform water balance of the plant, thus having a clear vision of the consumption per specific areas and the identification of leaks or even greater opportunities to reduce consumption.