DEUS 21

In a German development area with 105 new estates, a semi-decentralized water management concept was demonstrated – for maximum recycling of water, energy and nutrients.

In a German development area with 105 new estates, a semi-decentralized water management concept was demonstrated with the aim of maximum recycling of water, energy and nutrients. A vacuum sewer system collects domestic wastewater along with organic kitchen waste, while separately collected rainwater is purified for use as a domestic water, e.g. for flushing toilets and gardening. The wastewater is treated anaerobically, the produced biogas can be used as a regenerative energy source. The treated wastewater is suitable for combined irrigation and fertilization in urban agriculture.

The processes are embedded in holistic infrastructure concepts and combined with energy and waste management. Systems solutions are available for future-oriented municipal water management in rural regions, for newly developed areas, urban districts in need of modernization and also for holiday resorts, tourist centers and hotel complexes. The system is especially effective for regions with no previous water infrastructure, lacking sewage networks and central sewage treatment plants. The concept is also ideal for areas where old types of infrastructure can no longer be adapted to cope with new challenges arising from climate changes or population increases/decreases. Geographical and climatic factors such as the (seasonal) shortage of water in arid and semi-arid areas are also taken into consideration.

The project "Decentralized Urban Infrastructure Systems DEUS 21" was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).