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