Environment
0

Treated Wastewater to Irrigate South Khorasan Farmlands

Treated Wastewater to Irrigate South Khorasan Farmlands
Treated Wastewater to Irrigate South Khorasan Farmlands

The plan for transferring treated wastewater from the plant in Birjand, South Khorasan, to Mohammadiyeh's farmlands in Darmian County was launched early this week.

"Once completed, the treated wastewater from the plant will replace the water from two of the wells that currently irrigate farmlands of Mohammadiyeh and the high-quality underground water will be used for drinking purposes," Hossein Emami, the head of South Khorasan's water company, said.

The remaining treated wastewater will be used for cultivation of plants used in the wood industry and other usages approved by the Department of Environment and Agricultural Jihad Organization, Zistonline reported.

"In the first phase of the wastewater transport project, glass-reinforced plastic pipes will be installed across 9 kilometers with a budget of 45 billion rials ($1.1 million)," he said.

The project of replacing well water with wastewater is part of a larger plan for restoring and balancing groundwater resources.

Emami noted that the project will help conserve and balance the region's groundwater resources.  "The plan compensates the deficit of groundwater reservoirs and prevents a further drop in groundwater level in plains facing water shortage. It will also save water for other purposes, including drinking and watering green spaces," Emami said.  Almost 90% of Iran’s scarce water resources are consumed by the agriculture sector with a mere 30% efficiency.

At present, Birjand's wastewater treatment plant produces 120 liters of treated wastewater per second, which is expected to increase to 240 liters following the launch of a new plant and expansion of wastewater installations across Birjand's urban areas.

Iran is situated in an arid and semi-arid region and average precipitation rate has fallen to levels way below the global average, while underground water resources are fast drying up.

 

Add new comment

Read our comment policy before posting your viewpoints

Financialtribune.com