Water reuse system installation: how to make airports more sustainable?

Treating Water Containing Hydrocarbons

Salher offers over 18 models of hydrocarbon separators—with CE certification under European standard EN‑858—capable of treating polluted rainwater, as well as wash and de‐icing water. These last categories, however, require additional advanced technologies like membranes, filters, and oxidation systems.

In airport environments, handling rainwater is vital due to large runoff areas—runways, taxiways, and parking zones. Salher provides a standard range of regulation valves and also designs custom systems tailored for stormwater retention ponds or on-site treatment of oily or hydrocarbon‐laden water.

Can airport wastewater be reused?

Among all the wastewater generated at airports, the most readily reusable types are sanitary wastewater and effluents from restaurants and shops. Opting for this option—even if it initially increases the budget for installing the airport’s water treatment plant—enables savings in water resources by reducing dependence on potable water supplies, and offers long‑term cost benefits, since treated wastewater can be reused for irrigation, cleaning, or even technical processes such as cooling in HVAC systems.

Additionally, investing in a treatment facility that includes reuse systems prevents the release of contaminated water into the environment, thereby helping to comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations.

An airport that reuses its water demonstrates sustainability leadership and adds value to local communities, especially in developing countries, where water is a critical resource. Companies like Salher, with experience in this field, have the capacity to design customized and efficient solutions tailored to local needs.

Salher has offered its expertise and advanced technology to design tailored solutions for the specific needs of this international airport, thus contributing to sustainable development and environmental protection in regions facing significant water challenges. In Spain as well, Salher has taken part in the renovation of water treatment systems at several airports, installing its ultrafiltration reuse technology in the terminals at Dénia (Alicante) and Ibiza.

To ensure success in the installation and operation of a water treatment plant, it is essential to contract directly with the companies responsible for the design and development of these solutions. This offers key advantages. On one hand, having detailed knowledge of each system component allows for precise installation and optimal configuration, tailored to the specific conditions of the airport.

 

On the other hand, avoiding intermediaries prevents communication issues that can lead to technical errors or misunderstandings, speeding up commissioning and ensuring optimal operation from the start. Furthermore, in such complex systems, commissioning without deep knowledge can result in delays and costly subsequent adjustments.

 

Finally, the companies that design the solutions also provide specialized support, maintenance services, and technological updates, ensuring that the system operates efficiently throughout its lifespan.

Efficient and sustainable water management is a priority for airports seeking to reduce their environmental impact and operate responsibly. Installing dedicated water treatment plants is not only a key step toward sustainability but also an economically smart decision. By contracting directly with the developers of the water treatment solutions, airports guarantee a streamlined, safe, and efficient process that enables them to successfully meet their environmental and operational goals.