In celebration of World Water Day on March 22nd, São Paulo International Airport, in Guarulhos, managed by GRU Airport, reaffirms its commitment to the environment, disclosing the latest balance regarding the preservation of water resources and sanitation actions. In 2022, 693,7 million liters of effluents were treated and 63 million liters of reuse water were ed for, with 100% of the rainwater collected by the Terminal 3 collection system being used.
Of the 63 million liters, 34,6 million were captured by the air conditioning system purges and underwent a filtration treatment process. Another 24,5 million come from rainwater collected from the roof of Terminal 3, which has collection, delivery and treatment systems for reuse of rainwater in the air conditioning systems and in the restrooms.
Already 3,9 million liters were collected from the Effluent Treatment Station - ETE and, after receiving purification treatment, were made available for washing and cleaning patios and lanes, gardening, among others.
Effluent treatment plant
The Effluent Treatment Station (ETE), installed inside the airport site, treats all the sewage generated by the airport's activities, collected through the elevators and pumped for treatment.
The ETE has a domestic sewage treatment system, of the deep aeration type, with four tanks composed of helical aerators. In aerobic biological treatment, microorganisms degrade organic substances, which are assimilated as “food” and energy source, through an oxidative process in aerated tanks.
The station's system capacity is 180.000 m³/month. The average volume treated in 2022 was 57.812 m³/month, that is, a daily average of 1.927 m³/day of effluents treated within the airport site.
The use of gray and non-potable water provides savings that impact the cost of operation and, mainly, the preservation of water resources demanded by the airport.
World Water Day
The United Nations (UN) created World Water Day in 1992 to encourage the international community to put on the agenda essential issues involving the preservation of water resources. In 2023, the campaign aims to promote debate on the rational use of resources, proposing changes in water treatment actions, from domestic to industrial environments.“
Ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all” (SDG 6) is one of the main commitments of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals proposed by the UN in order to bring together different levels of government, organizations, companies and society to decide on new ways, fighting poverty, protecting the environment, promoting well-being and improving the lives of people everywhere.
Street: Guarulhos' airport
