Veolia S.A. (Paris) has been selected to design and deliver Brazil’s most advanced municipal wastewater-reuse system for industrial applications. The new Águas de Reúso de Vitória Water Reclamation Station (Vitória WRS) marks a major milestone in the country’s fight against water scarcity and sustainability ambitions.
With a 450 liters per second (l/s) processing capacity — or 38,880 cubic meters per day (m3/d) — the system will recycle 85% of municipal wastewater from Vitória’s Camburi basin. By redirecting reclaimed water to industrial users, the project frees up freshwater resources equivalent to the needs of nearly 200,000 people. This wastewater-reuse solution enables industries to increase their resilience through alternative water resources while preserving natural water supplies, transforming an underused waste stream into a valuable resource.
As the first project of its kind in Brazil, Vitória WRS addresses the country’s long-standing challenge with water reuse — currently representing less than 1% of total water consumption, according to the Brazilian Water Agency statistics (ANA). By setting a precedent for advanced, decentralized water reuse, it aims to pave the way for widespread adoption of sustainable water recycling solutions across Latin America. Veolia also recently announced its participation in France’s largest wastewater-reuse project.
The project stems from Brazil’s first public tender for water reuse. Led by Águas de Reúso de Vitória — a strategic partnership between GS INIMA and the Espírito Santo Sanitation Company (CESAN) — the station will provide a secure and sustainable water supply to major industrial players such as ArcelorMittal and Vale, both essential to the region’s socio-economic development.
Vitória WRS will be the world’s first large-scale facility to convert a municipal wastewater treatment plant into a water reuse production station using membrane bioreactors and reverse osmosis. The facility will integrate Veolia’s high-performance technologies for biological wastewater treatment intensification, including:
- memDENSE™ membrane bioreactor for ultra-compact biological treatment.
- ZeeWeed™ 500-EV ultrafiltration membranes for high-efficiency solids separation.
These combined technologies target key challenges such as biological phosphorus and nitrogen removal, delivering a cost-effective and reliable supply of high-quality water fit for industrial use while preserving natural freshwater sources.
Estelle Brachlianoff, Chief Executive Officer of Veolia, added: “This project sets a new benchmark for sustainability across Latin America. By leveraging our most advanced proprietary technologies, we’re transforming challenges into opportunities and helping our partners achieve their goals while actively preserving water resources. As part of our GreenUp strategic program, we’re committed to contributing to sustainable water management and are very pleased to bring our expertise to Brazil, expanding our strong presence in the country.”
Paulo Roberto, president of GS INIMA in Brazil, commented: “This pioneering project represents a significant step forward for Brazilian sanitation, combining innovative technologies with environmental stewardship. Incorporating Veolia’s technologies into this Vitória project has resulted in a winning and competitive partnership, ensuring greater technical, economic and environmental feasibility. The project will enhance Brazilian sanitation with quality and operational excellence, expanding sustainable water solutions in the country. As the first water reuse subconcession catering to major industrial clients, it sets the bar and paves the way for a more sustainable future.”