Pioneering New Horizons in Water Management: A Revolutionary Approach to Indirect Potable Reuse

In the latest episode of the “Exec Exchange” podcast, Piers Clark sits down with Engineer Rafael Zarate, the President of the Center for Innovation at SAPAL in Mexico. This insightful conversation delves deep into the innovative strategies being implemented in the city of Leon to combat the severe water crisis affecting the region. Rafael Zarate shares an inspiring narrative of perseverance, innovation, and groundbreaking technology that promises to change the landscape of water reuse not just in Mexico, but around the globe.

A Passionate Journey

Engineer Rafael Zarate has dedicated over 35 years to the field of water management, particularly focusing on reuse—something that was once considered unconventional but is now a critical necessity worldwide. With academic credentials from the University of Guanajuato and a Master’s degree from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, Rafael’s expertise is well-rooted in a strong educational foundation. His journey has led him to be not only an engineer but also an advocate for sustainable water solutions.

Facing the Water Crisis Head-On

The city of Leon, ranked as the fifth largest city in Mexico, is grappling with one of the most intense water crises in its history, with 61% of the state facing extreme drought conditions. This has necessitated a shift towards alternative water sources beyond the conventional groundwater and surface water. Here, SAPAL has made commendable strides by being recognized with awards for its exceptional sanitation and water reuse initiatives.

Innovating Indirect Potable Reuse

A decade ago, SAPAL embarked on an ambitious journey to transform indirect potable reuse into a viable large-scale solution. By collaborating with international experts and universities from California, Texas, Spain, and the Netherlands, they have managed to evade the high costs associated with reverse osmosis by leveraging nanofiltration technology. Rafael Zarate explained the detailed six-stage treatment process that follows: from oxidation with ozone to UV treatment. This innovative approach has demonstrated the removal of a significant percentage of emerging contaminants.

Economic and Environmental Impacts

A standout feature of this strategy is its economic efficiency. The switch to hollow fiber nanofiltration technology has proven to be both economically viable in terms of CapEx and OpEx, showing significant cost reductions as compared to traditional methods. Despite the membranes needing replacement every few years, the costs remain lower than using reverse osmosis, which underscores the economic feasibility of this pioneering project.

Achieving Social Acceptance

One of the biggest challenges in introducing a project of this nature is gaining public trust and acceptance. However, the pressing need for water in Leon and the transparent presentation of scientific results have helped secure public support for the initiative. The community’s awareness and acceptance are pivotal to the project’s success.

Scaling Up for a Sustainable Future

Looking ahead, Rafael Zarate outlines an ambitious plan to eventually provide 20% of the city’s water supply through this groundbreaking approach, with the ultimate goal of a fully operational 400 liters per second facility by 2026. He emphasizes the importance of federal collaboration and support in reaching these goals.

A Closing Thought

As the conversation wraps up, Rafael reflects on what he would have told his younger self about the realities of climate change and the urgency of water conservation. His words serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of current and future generations actively working toward sustainable solutions.

Engineer Rafael Zarate has not only shared his insights but also set a precedent for innovation in water management. With this world-first achievement in indirect potable reuse using nanofiltration, SAPAL and the city of Leon stand as beacons of ingenuity and commitment to environmental stewardship.

Stay tuned for more such inspiring exchanges on the Exec Exchange podcast, where leaders like Rafael Zarate share stories of transformation and innovation in their fields.