The initial phase of Macao’s first wastewater reclamation project is expected to come into operation in the first quarter of next year, the Macao government told multiple media outlets during a press conference yesterday. The processing plant is located in Coloane’s Concórdia Industrial Park.
Reclaimed, or recycled, water is produced by ridding wastewater of impurities and bacteria, making it safe to use for the likes of watering plants and flushing toilets. Some countries, including Singapore, process wastewater to such a high level it’s deemed safe enough to drink.
According to the head of the Land and Urban Construction Bureau, Lai Weng Leong, the first users of Macao’s reclaimed water will be in the Seac Pai Van public housing estates and at the University of Macau (UM).
[See more: 5 things you should know about Macao’s water]
Delivering the water to Macao’s older districts would be difficult, Lai said. He noted that these areas have a different water supply system and that the installation of new pipes posed a challenge.
In March, head of the Marine and Water Affairs Bureau Susana Wong Soi Man revealed that the first phase of the reclaimed water project would supply a daily volume of 2,500 cubic metres of water to Seac Pai Van and UM. The reclaimed water supply was expected to jump to 15,000 cubic metres in phase two, though a timeline for this has not been announced.
Wong has mentioned plans to construct a second wastewater treatment facility near the Macao Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, which would provide recycled water to Urban Zone A and areas in the Areia Preta district.
Yesterday’s press conference also saw the government announce new guidelines relating to the city’s water supply and drainage regulations, in response to Macao’s expansion. The current law is almost three decades old.
Lai said that the updates would see infrastructure redesigned to withstand heavier rainfall by increasing the standard from a 20-year storm to a 50-year storm. This would reduce the risk of floods and allow the city to better respond to extreme weather events.
In addition, they require all newly constructed buildings located within the public recycled water network to be fitted with recycled water pipes.
The updated regulations for flooding and drainage are due to come into effect on 1 March 2026, while those relating to reclaimed water will be enforced from 1 September 2025.
