Water Reclamation and Reuse in the Oil Sands Region of Canada

This paper describes how the case was developed for supplying reclaimed water for 40 industries spread over 317 square kilometers (122 square miles) with a current annual water consumption of about 150 MLD (40 MGD) in the Edmonton, Alberta area of Canada. These industries are primarily associated with the processing of oil sands petrochemicals. Modeling of two water reuse scenarios (one regional scenario and one more localized scenario focused on two large municipal facilities) was the key element of this work. The scale and size of this project are believed to be unique among such water reclamation projects and is a good example of innovation in the application of a mass balance model involving many industries and municipalities over a very large area. The region will seek to implement portions of the recommendations over the coming years.