Grant agreement reached between US and EMBASA

The Brazlian agency Empresa Baiana de Águas e Saneamento S.A. (EMBASA) has signed a historic grant agreement with the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) that will fund a feasibility study of possible improvements to the city of Salvador’s metropolitan area’s wastewater treatment system.

“EMBASA is pleased to be partnering with USTDA on this project,” EMBASA President Rogério Cedraz said. “The feasibility study will complement our ongoing efforts to improve EMBASA’s quality of service and reduce energy demand at our facilities.”

The study will be mainly focused with figuring out the alternative options available to improve Salvador’s wastewater treatment using technological, economical and financial means. Both agencies hope to radically change the system in Salvador to increase its available energy and operational efficiency.

“The agency is proud to support Brazil in its efforts to enhance the quality of its water and wastewater treatment facilities,” USTDA Regional Director Nathan Younge said. “This grant will help foster improvements to the management of water resources at the sites selected for evaluation, as well as potential additional sites throughout Salvador.”

With almost 3 million people living in its greater metropolitan area, the water treatment system in Salvador could benefit from improvements such as ultraviolet disinfection technology, new automation systems, and efficiency measures for energy such as variable frequency drives.