The Citrus Processing Industry is faced with increased pressures from a number of different sources to reduce water consumption and wastewater discharges. The Florida Water Management Districts are moving toward more restrictive limits on consumptive use permits. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are moving toward zero discharge limits for industry wastewater discharges to surface waters, wherever possible. The cost of water consumption and wastewater treatment and disposal are increasing, therefore, there is a significant cost incentive for industry to reduce water consumption and wastewater discharge. A logical and economical approach to addressing this issue is by reduction of:
• In-plant water use
• Wastewater volume
• Wastewater concentrations
Implementation of a water use and waste reduction program establishes a pro-active environmental image for the corporations and industry as a whole.
Paper published with permission.
