Efteling theme park
Naturally purified water for Efteling theme park
At Efteling theme park, effluent water from the wastewater treatment plant is reused as an alternative to pumping fresh ground water. This reduces water consumption and minimizes environmental impact.
UV Solution:
A UV system with five low-pressure lamps treats 75 m³ per hour.
UV Results:
E. coli bacteria were successfully eliminated, making the reuse of the WWTP effluent possible.
UValue Creation:
- Water savings: 400.000 m³ per year
- Environmental impact: Reduced chemical use (chlorine) and less corrosion
Saving valuable water resources
By reusing effluent water at Efteling, 400,000 m³ of valuable water is saved annually. Additionally, this sustainable approach reduces environmental impact by lowering chemical consumption and minimizing corrosion.
Water savings
Instead of pumping 400.000 cubic meters of groundwater, effluent from the WWTP is now being reused.
Reduced environmental impact
The use of a sustainable UV system reduces chemical consumption (chlorine) and minimizes corrosion.
The challenge: groundwater extraction is not allowed
Efteling theme park has an annual water demand of 400,000 cubic meters. This water is used to maintain the levels of water attractions, ponds, and fountains. Additionally, water is needed for irrigating the park’s vegetation and golf course. Due to groundwater scarcity, extraction is no longer permitted in North Brabant. Therefore, Efteling, in collaboration with the province and the Brabantse Delta Water Board, has sought a sustainable water supply solution.
Situation before the UV installation
Since 1997, the Efteling has been purchasing treated domestic wastewater from the Kaatsheuvel wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), as an alternative to pumping up fresh groundwater that used to be treated with chlorine. To improve the water quality of the treated wastewater, a constructed wetland (helophyte filter) was installed. However, due to high phosphate levels—which stimulate algae growth—an additional treatment step was needed. As a result, the effluent was first passed through a sand filter with iron dosing at the WWTP.
Results after installation of the UV system
As a final treatment step, UV disinfection is now used to eliminate unwanted bacteria in the effluent. By treating 75 m³ of effluent per hour at 300 J/m², E. coli bacteria are successfully removed. UV disinfection enables the safe and healthy reuse of WWTP water, achieving a water quality comparable to the EU bathing water standard.
Case study facts:
Organization name: Efteling theme park | WWTP Brabantse Delta Water Board
Location: Kaatsheuvel, the Netherlands
UV system supplier: Van Remmen UV Technology
Swimming pool at recreation park De Kuilart
A healthier swimming environment with lower water and energy costs
Installing a UV system significantly reduced water and energy costs. Additionally, it created a more enjoyable swimming environment and improved comfort for staff due to demonstrably better water and air quality.
UV Solution:
A UV system with three low-pressure lamps treats 200 m³ per hour.
UV Results:
Combined chlorine levels dropped from approximately 0.6 mg/l to between 0.2 and 0.4 mg/l.
UValue Creation:
- Water savings: 643 m³ per month
- Energy savings: 10,645 kWh per month
Reduce operational costs
By reducing the backwash frequency from seven times to once per week, 150 m³ of water is saved weekly. With average costs, this results in €643 saved per month. Additionally, lower heat losses and reduced reheating of supplementary water contribute to an energy savings of €3,140 per month.
Water Savings
Instead of backwashing seven times per week (25 m³ each time), backwashing now occurs only once a week. This saves 150 m³ per week (an average of 21.42 m³ per day). Over 30 days, this totals 643 m³ per month.
Water cost: €1.00 per m³
Total cost savings: €643 per month
Energy Savings
Heating water consumes 16,280 Wh per m³. The UV system uses only 4.6 Wh per m³, resulting in a net savings of 16,275.4 Wh per m³. With 643 m³ saved per month, this totals 10,465 kWh.
Energy cost: €0.30 per kWh
Total cost savings: €3,140 per month
The Challenge: high combined chlorine levels
Swimming pool De Kuilart is a swimming paradise located on the Frisian Lakes. The newly built pool (2022) features three slides, a large toddler area, and a competition pool, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. During summer, it attracts up to 1,200 visitors per day. However, with so many people in the pool, high levels of combined chlorine became an issue.
We knew that with the new Environmental Act, combined chlorine levels must not exceed 0.6 mg/l. While our state-of-the-art water treatment system had improved things, it was challenging to stay below that threshold on busy days. Our staff often complained about irritated eyes.
Owner Wouter Bleckman
Situation before the UV installation
Maintaining the pool required large amounts of water and chemicals: 25 m³ per backwash, performed daily during the peak season. This water had to be heated from tap water temperature to swimming pool temperature and treated with sulfuric acid and chlorine to ensure safety. These chemicals contributed to unpleasant air quality.
Results after installation of the UV system
After installing the UV system, backwashing is needed only once per week, significantly reducing water and energy costs, especially during the peak season.
Energy savings through smart UV usage
Additionally, a nighttime program between 10 PM and 8 AM lowers the circulation pump speed and turns off the UV system. This reduces energy use and lamp wear by approximately 30%. The system runs 24/7 only during the eight weeks of the peak season.
“Since installing the UV system, air quality has improved so much that our staff no longer experience any complaints while working in the pool. That’s very important to me. The purchase has been a success on every level. I’m truly happy with it.”
Case study facts:
Organization name: Swimming pool at recreation park De Kuilart
Location: Koudum, the Netherlands
UV system supplier: Van Remmen UV Technology