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process water. However, different reduction rates for contaminants and water
consumption have the net effect of increasing the contaminant concentration in the
discharged effluent. For example, fish processors in northern Europe who have
implemented extensive water conservation measures have found that, as a rule of thumb,
a reduction of 50 % in water consumption results in an increase of BOD concentration of
10-20 % although the total BOD load discharged is reduced considerably (NovaTec,
1993a).
Water conservation also allows the use of smaller and therefore, less costly equipment
for wastewater treatment.
5.2.2 Water Conservation
Water conservation measures are primarily designed to reduce water consumption at fish
processing plants, although some reductions of contaminant loads can also be achieved
as well. Employee education and training to diligently implement water conservation
measures has been identified as a major factor for reducing water consumption. Drops
in water consumption of 25 to 50 % due to employee education and training have been
reported in the literature (Gates, 1991). Water conservation practices, however, should
not compromise plant sanitation, and must be in agreement with regulatory requirements.
Modifications to existing equipment and ‘plants, or installation of new equipment and
construction of new plants should include the following:
. installation of equipment designed for easy, cleaning;
. construction of floors and walls of easily cleaned surfaces;
to assure easy implementation of water conservation. In addition, flow meters should be
installed to allow the monitoring of water consumption of various processes and
operations.
Processing plants in northwestern Europe which have implemented some of the above
water conservation techniques reported up to 50 % reductions in water usage (NovaTec
Consultants Inc., 1993a).
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