Financial feasibility for the reuse of reclaimed water in Tijuana, Baja California, under the market mechanism: the Monte de los Olivos case

Abstract

Wastewater treatment plant Monte de los Olivos, in Tijuana, Saja California. The objective was to promote the exchange of clean water for reclaimed water in industrial activities, the irrigation of green areas, and its transportation and storage for indirect use under market criteria. It was found that the industry within the area of influence consumes 0.059 m3/s of water. The companies use 80% of this water for industrial processes and 20% for the irrigation of green areas, sanitary facilities and cleaning activities. The sole utilization of the reclaimed water for industrial processes and the irrigation of green areas within the area of influence is not financially justified under market mechanisms, due to the fact that the initial cost is not discounted by the income flux during the life cycle of the project, with a negative net value of $153.2 million pesos. Therefore, a volume of 0.280 m3/s of reclaimed water should be sent to the Abelardo L. Rodríguez dam to generate a positive present value of $84.064 million pesos. It was found that most companies with possibilities of using the reclaimed water are international "maquiladoras", which are keen to participate in a reclaimed water reuse program if they have the guarantee that the reclaimed water will be supplied at a constant flow, at an accessible price, and with the required quality.