“As there are no buyers for the (excess) treated wastewater, it has to be poured into the sea,” Amin Qasmi was quoted as saying by the Energy Ministry’s news portal.
Countries like Spain, India, the Philippines, and Brazil dump untreated wastewater and sewage into the sea. The discharge of untreated effluent in water bodies does not only lead to eutrophication and human health risks, it also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions in the form of nitrous oxide and methane, according to Financial Tribune.
Bandar Abbas Wastewater Treatment Plant is planning to siphon a part of its treated output into the Persian Gulf in the future.
“Research has been conducted and the wastewater will be discharged at a greater depth to minimize ecological damage.”
He said the deeper it is dumped, the less pollution it will cause because underwater waves (internal waves) can help disperse the wastewater faster.
According to Energy Ministry data, less than 25% of the wastewater is recycled at a time when the nation is grappling with a worsening water crisis. The government is struggling to come up with schemes to curb water consumption and waste, especially in the agro sector.
Given years of dwindling rainfall and rising consumption, authorities and independent experts have called for higher levels of funding for collecting, treating and recycling water.
Today, wastewater is being seen a valuable resource to generate: energy, nutrients and water for irrigation, industrial and even drinking purposes in some countries.
According to the International Water Association, around 80% of all wastewater is discharged into the world's waterways where it creates health, environmental and climate-related hazards.
Estimates suggest global wastewater treatment capacity is 70% of the generated wastewater in high-income countries, and only 8% in low-income countries.