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Onsite Treatment Systems for Urban Water Management

Onsite treatment (OST) of water and wastewater may represent a viable alternative to centralized systems. With OST technologies (waste)water is treated locally as close as reasonable at the source with a minimum of transportation. Water and nutrient recycling are basic components of the concept. This decentralization increases system flexibility by avoiding sunk costs, e.g. in large sewer infrastructures. Economically, this can be realized by the application of mass production and industrial logic. To ensure adequate performance of the treatment systems, technology management plays an important role within OST.

Eawag has more than 20 years of experience in developing and planning on-site treatment technologies. In 2010 an interdisciplinary research group was established to bundle experience and coordinate activities in Onsite Treatment at Eawag. Efforts for a strategic development of OST systems are made by the OST@Eawag group. Currently, five departments share their experience and work towards a common vision: