The Vitória WRS, with a processing capacity of 450 liters per second or 38,880 cubic meters per day, will recycle 85% of municipal wastewater from the Camburi basin. By supplying reclaimed water to industrial users, the project will conserve freshwater resources equivalent to the needs of nearly 200,000 people. This approach transforms wastewater into a valuable resource, enhancing industrial resilience while preserving natural water supplies.
As Brazil’s first large-scale wastewater reuse project, Vitória WRS sets a precedent for sustainable water recycling across Latin America, where water reuse currently accounts for less than 1% of total consumption, according to the Brazilian Water Agency. The project, resulting from Brazil’s first public tender for water reuse, is led by Águas de Reúso de Vitória, a partnership between GS INIMA and the Espírito Santo Sanitation Company (CESAN). It will provide a reliable water supply to major industrial clients, including ArcelorMittal and Vale, supporting the region’s economic growth.
The facility will be the world’s first large-scale plant to convert a municipal wastewater treatment plant into a water reuse station using advanced technologies like membrane bioreactors and reverse osmosis. Veolia’s solutions, including memDENSE™ for compact biological treatment, ZeeWeed™ 500-EV ultrafiltration membranes for solids separation, and PROflex™ reverse osmosis for contaminant removal, ensure high-quality water for industrial applications while addressing challenges like phosphorus and nitrogen removal.
Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO of Veolia, stated: “This project sets a new benchmark for sustainability across Latin America. By leveraging our most advanced proprietary technologies, we’re transforming challenges into opportunities and helping our partners achieve their goals while actively preserving water resources.”
Paulo Roberto, president of GS INIMA in Brazil, added: “This pioneering project represents a significant step forward for Brazilian sanitation, combining innovative technologies with environmental stewardship. Incorporating Veolia’s technologies into this Vitória project has resulted in a winning and competitive partnership, ensuring greater technical, economic and environmental feasibility.”
The Vitória WRS strengthens Brazil’s leadership in sustainable water solutions, paving the way for broader adoption of water reuse technologies in the region.
