The Water-Energy-Food Nexus Begins at Home

The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) owns and operates the largest single-site, peak flow, water resource recovery facility (WRRF) in the nation with the capacity to treat up to 6,435 MLD (1,700 mgd), with an average daily flow of about 2,385 MLD (630 mgd), and peak secondary treatment capacity of 3,520 MLD (930 mgd). In 2017 GLWA embarked on a 40-year, system-wide Wastewater Master Plan for its wastewater service area in metropolitan Detroit. The purpose of the Master Plan was to assess the broad needs of the GLWA system and develop solutions to improve system efficiency in the collection and treatment systems and improve receiving water quality. As a part of this Master Plan, the WRRF was assessed to present a long-term vision of the capital needs of the facility. Recommendations to replace aging assets with more efficient, up-to-date treatment processes were vetted, and phased to ensure uninterrupted operation of the facility. The Master Plan recommendations were designed to move the WRRF forward in a logical fashion with an eye towards maintaining its Utility of the Future status, where precious resources are recovered in a sustainable fashion. Embedded in the outcomes are sustainable practices which speak to the water-energy-food nexus.