Water reuse is becoming increasingly important, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Because treatment targets different industries, each case requires a tailored approach.

However, we can generally divide the water treatment and reuse process into three main categories:

Physical treatment, which includes filtration techniques such as media filtration or membrane filtration

Chemical treatment, which includes a wide range of steps such as pH adjustments or chemical disinfection

Biological treatment, which involves bacteria breaking down organic matter to improve wastewater quality

This process reflects a system approach, where we move beyond individual components to optimise entire systems. It’s a shift that requires new technologies, and at Grundfos, we are well on our way.  Let’s take a closer look at how.

In cooling tower applications, chemical treatment plays a key role. These systems need various chemicals such as stabilisers, anti-scaling agents, or disinfectants. At the heart of the process is a dosing pump, which delivers chemicals directly into the process line. To monitor the process and meet our goals, we use measurement and control devices connected to the dosing pump.

Another example would be physical treatment. Our membrane filtration units feature Grundfos iSOLUTIONS. These systems bring together pumps, components, and smart controls. The pumps communicate with each other and respond to signals from the industrial process, adjusting operations to meet the needs of the filtration system.

At Grundfos, we’re also focusing on software. By combining pump data, application knowledge, and in-house expertise, we are making entire systems more energy-, water-, and chemical-efficient.

As a result, we’re no longer only optimising components; we’re optimising complete systems. This represents a more holistic approach to industrial water treatment, and an important step toward future water reuse.