Wastewater reuse in central Asia: implications for the design of pond systems

The paper examines the potential of waste stabilisation ponds to provide water for reuse in extreme continental climates such as those of central Asia, where precipitation is low and summer evaporation rates are high. A simple model is used to predict water availability, BOD and faecal coliform removal for different configurations and operating regimes. The results show a significant proportion of flows could be saved for irrigation or river and aquifer replenishment: if current standard designs can be modified for these climates, the outcome is likely to be both more robust and more flexible in terms of types of reuse. The paper concludes with three case studies of evaporation pond systems in Kazakhstan, assessing their potential for conversion to full biological treatment systems for water conservation and reuse.