Zero Liquid Discharge vs Water Recycling: Understanding the Difference for Industries | Blue Water Company
Industries under pressure to reduce freshwater consumption often consider water recycling or Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems. The two approaches are related, but they are not the same thing . Water recycling focuses on treating wastewater and reusing it within an industrial facility. Zero Liquid Discharge goes further, aiming to recover water while reducing or eliminating liquid wastewater discharge from the facility. Choosing between them is not simply a question of which technology is more advanced. The right approach depends on the industry's wastewater characteristics, freshwater availability, discharge requirements, reuse targets, operating costs and overall water balance. What Is Water Recycling? Water recycling means treating wastewater so that some or all of it can be reused for suitable applications. A simplified industrial recycling system may look like: Industrial Process → Wastewater → ETP → Filtration/Advanced Treatment → Recycled Water → Reuse Depending on the ...