Rainwater treatment in airports using slow sand filtration followed by chlorination: Efficiency and costs

Water scarcity is a reality worldwide, either by quantitative or qualitative unavailability. The search for alternative water sources, water reuse and other mechanisms for its rational use is a global trend. Considering these facts, rainwater use is an interesting alternative to complement non-potable demand in locations such as airport complexes. These environments present large roof areas and support different activities which consume non-potable water, making them potential sites for the installation of rainwater use systems. The objectives of this research were to assess rainwater quality in an airport environment, study the performance of slow sand filtration followed by chlorination in the treatment of rainwater and analyze treatment costs. The study was carried out in a mid-size airport in Brazil. The proposed system provided water with physical, chemical and microbiological quality consistent with recommendations for reuse and the price per treated cubic meter was 60% lower than the price paid to the current water supply company.

► Evaluates efficiency and cost of a simplified treatment for rainwater use in airports. ► Results showed that rainwater can meet 70% of the non-potable annual demand. ► Treated rainwater costs 60% less than potable water provided by the supply company.