Taif Independent Sewage Treatment Plant
LUCAS® technology for secondary biological treatment at the Taif Independent Sewage Treatment Plant
Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
2023
Treated sewage water: 100,000 m³/day
Load: 32,000 kg COD/d
The challenge
Located 70 kilometers southeast of Mecca, the Taif Independent Sewage Treatment Plant (ISTP) is a key infrastructure project under Saudi Arabia’s National Water Strategy 2030, which aims to safeguard natural resources and ensure a sustainable, cost-effective water supply across the Kingdom.
The Taif ISTP treats domestic wastewater from over 650,000 residents in the most densely populated areas of the Taif Governorate. Designed to process 100,000 cubic meters per day, the plant recovers high-quality effluent for agricultural and industrial reuse. In a future expansion phase, treatment capacity will increase to 270,000 m³/day.
Waterleau’s impressive technologies will allow us to collaborate and fulfill TAWZEA's ambitions as a water and wastewater infrastructure leader in Saudi Arabia
Awarded by the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) under a BOOT (Build, Own, Operate, Transfer) model, the project was developed by a consortium of Cobra Instalaciones y Servicios S.A. and International Water Distribution Co. Ltd. (TAWZEA). Delivered at a competitive levelized cost of 1.07 SAR per m³, Taif ISTP sets a benchmark for fully independent water infrastructure in the region.
Building on this success, similar ISTP projects are now in final construction phase in the major cities of Buraydah, Tabuk, and Madinah.
Waterleau's solution
At the heart of the Taif plant lies Waterleau’s proprietary LUCAS® Cyclic Activated Sludge technology. This advanced biological treatment system integrates all key treatment phases in a compact, energy-efficient design—ensuring reliable performance with a low total cost of ownership.
The LUCAS® system is further enhanced with Aerobic Granular Sludge (AGS) technology, which promotes the formation of dense, fast-settling sludge granules. This innovation significantly improves treatment efficiency while reducing the footprint and energy demand of the biological process.
By combining compact design, high biological performance, and advanced process control, the LUCAS® AGS system offers a cost-effective, scalable solution for large municipal wastewater treatment plants.
A smarter process train
The Taif ISTP incorporates a complete and integrated treatment train:
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Fine screening and grease removal
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Primary sedimentation and peak flow equalization
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Secondary treatment using LUCAS® AGS technology
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Tertiary filtration and chlorination for effluent polishing
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Sludge thickening, anaerobic digestion, dewatering, and drying
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Cogeneration of green heat and power from biogas
Compared to traditional activated sludge, sequencing batch reactor (SBR), and biofilm systems, the LUCAS® system offers a smaller construction footprint and lower carbon footprint, aligning seamlessly with the consortium’s vision for circular water reuse, green energy production, and valorization of biosolids.
The LUCAS® system has both a low construction footprint and a low carbon footprint compared to other secondary treatment technologies such as conventional activated sludge systems, sequencing batch reactor systems, and biofilm on carrier based systems.
It fits seamless into the vision of The Saudi Water Partnership Company and the developing consortium, and synergizes with Taif independent sewage treatment plant its valorization of reclaimed bio-effluent, green electricity, green heat and dried bio-solids.
Get to know all advantages and applications of our LUCAS® AGS technology in the dedicated e-book.
Improved Settling with LUCAS® AGS
At the Taif municipal wastewater treatment plant, Waterleau has successfully integrated its innovative Aerobic Granular Sludge (AGS) technology into the LUCAS® cyclic activated sludge system, delivering superior performance and sustainability
The innovative LUCAS® AGS system promotes the formation of dense, fast-settling granular sludge through a carefully controlled combination of biological selection and hydraulic retention. Granule-forming microorganisms are selected by alternating between aerated and unaerated phases, coupled with strategically timed feeding and non-feeding periods. This approach encourages the growth of robust microbial communities that form compact granules.
To ensure the retention of these desirable granules, the system applies selective settling and controlled excess sludge removal. In addition to effectively absorbing and oxidizing organic matter, LUCAS® AGS also supports advanced biological processes such as phosphorus uptake and simultaneous nitrification-denitrification, delivering high-performance wastewater treatment in a compact and energy-efficient design.
Key Advantages of the LUCAS® AGS System
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High Settling Velocity & Surface Loading Rate
Enables compact plant design with efficient solids-liquid separation. -
Energy-Efficient Nutrient Removal
Simultaneous removal of organic pollutants, nitrogen, and phosphorus with lower energy consumption. -
Reduced Footprint & Civil Costs
Smaller tank volumes translate into lower construction and infrastructure expenses. -
Chemical-Free Operation
No need for coagulant dosing, minimizing operational complexity and chemical costs. -
No Need for Granular Seeding
Natural granule formation eliminates the requirement for external biomass seeding. -
Standard Start-Up Time
Follows a conventional biological start-up timeline—no special procedures needed.
By offering our LUCAS® solution as a technology package, we can concentrate on what we excel at: to develop innovative and smart technology as well as build expert process know-how.
More about our LUCAS® Cyclic Activated Sludge aerobic wastewater treatment
Are you looking for an advanced aerobic wastewater treatment solution? Our aerobic LUCAS® Cyclic Activated Sludge technology may be the answer you've been searching for.
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