Vanguard Waters ·
Start from the streams actually discharged
The audit separates process water, cleaning, blowdown, regeneration, cooling water and possible accidental discharges. Each stream is linked to its origin, destination, available volumes and existing analyses.
A spot sample describes one sample. To represent site operation, identify campaigns, product changes, cleaning and incidents that alter composition or flow. Missing data become measurement points, not assumed values.
Relate the state of the art to the site process
The Swiss Federal Office for the Environment states that companies must treat their wastewater according to the state of the art. Measures depend on the substances present, the process, the discharge destination and conditions set by the competent authority.
Article 7 of the Swiss Waters Protection Ordinance governs the discharge of industrial wastewater into public sewers. A technical audit does not replace authorisation or interpretation by the cantonal authority. It prepares a documented set of streams, measurements and scenarios for discussion with that authority.
Review source measures first
The action plan reviews stream separation, reduced product carry-over, rinsing settings, possible recovery and prevention of accidental mixing. A source measure may reduce the load to be treated without assuming that it will be sufficient to meet applicable requirements.
Treatment scenarios are compared on inlet quality, variability, generated residues, consumables, energy, maintenance and operation during unavailability. Sampling and post-work monitoring conditions are defined before investment.
Structure the audit deliverable
The report presents the discharge map, data used, uncovered periods, critical points and proposed actions. It separates operating corrections, further measurement, trials and treatment or reuse projects.
The Vanguard Waters Water Assessment can include this discharge review alongside the plant consumption and use balance. The regulatory scope is confirmed with the site and, where necessary, with the competent contacts before a technical solution is fixed.
Frequently asked questions
Does an audit replace cantonal discharge authorisation?+
No. The audit prepares technical data and scenarios. The competent authority remains responsible for the conditions and authorisations applying to the discharge.
Must every discharge be analysed on the same day?+
Not necessarily. The sampling plan should represent situations that change the streams: production, campaign changes, cleaning, regeneration and known incidents.
Can the audit include reuse of selected streams?+
Yes. Each option connects available water to a defined use, with its quality requirements, volumes, storage, treatment and monitoring conditions.
Further documentation
OFEV · Épuration des eaux usées des secteurs de l’industrie et de l’artisanatFedlex · Ordonnance sur la protection des eaux, RS 814.201Apply this approach to your site
The Water Assessment defines the data to collect, measurements to make and options to study for your installation.