 astewater was once considered something best quickly disposed of. But in San Antonio we have learned to turn wastewater into valuable
resources. We call it our environmental "trifecta" of recycled water,
organic biosolids and methane gas.
San Antonio is the only U.S. city to reuse all three wastewater treatment process byproducts.
Recycled water is used locally in battery manufacturing.
Recycled Water
San Antonio boasts the largest direct recycled water delivery system in the nation.
More than 110 miles of pipeline
delivers high-quality recycled water for use by golf courses,
parks, commercial and industrial customers, as well as San
Antonio's famous River Walk.
Compost
Biosolids, another byproduct of treating wastewater, are used in generating compost for improving soil quality in landscaping and gardening. The compost is sold commercially through local retailers and nurseries under the brand names of Gardenville Alamo Gro and New Earth Landscapers Compost.
Biogas
Methane gas generated during the treatment process is the
newest addition to our environmental trifecta. SAWS has
partnered with Ameresco, Inc. – a national energy company
focusing on renewable energy – to treat and transfer at
least 900,000 cubic feet of gas per day to a nearby commercial
pipeline to sell on the open market.
Biogas is refined and compressed for the open market.
San Antonio is the first city to harness biogas in this unique renewable energy strategy.
Harnessing these valuable byproducts of the wastewater treatment process is beneficial for the environment; another demonstration of SAWS mission of providing sustainable, affordable, water services.
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