The ultrapure water plant uses treated sewage (the so-called ‘effluent’) produced by the sewage treatment plant as influent. In other words, a waste substance (sewage) is used as a resource. The substances removed from the water at the ultrapure water plant are returned to the sewage treatment plant and treated again. This reduces the waste load that ends up in the surface water and makes it easier to meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive.

The use of wastewater rather than groundwater is also good for the environment because it helps to prevent dehydration. The technical design was drawn up in collaboration with leading Dutch technologists and incorporates the most advanced water treatment technologies. The process was designed in such a way as to require minimal use of chemicals. The plant was also built using sustainable construction practices. For instance, the concrete floor contains concrete granulate from demolished concrete.