Madinah-3 Wastewater Treatment Plant - Advanced MBR Facility in Medina, Saudi Arabia

Madinah-3 Wastewater Treatment Plant is a major advanced treatment facility located in Medina, Al-Madinah Region, Saudi Arabia. Operated by ACCIONA Agua and owned by the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC), the plant serves a population of approximately 1.1 million people, making it a large-scale agglomeration under national water management frameworks. The plant employs LUCAS membrane bioreactor technology, an advanced treatment process that produces high-quality effluent suitable for reuse. With a designed capacity of 200,000 m³/day and operating at full capacity, it plays a critical role in meeting the water demands of the region. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the National Water Company (NWC), which enforces standards for water quality and reuse. All treated wastewater from the plant is directed to agricultural irrigation in the Medina area, supporting local food production and reducing demand on freshwater resources. This reuse strategy aligns with Saudi Arabia's water sustainability goals, particularly in an arid region where water scarcity is a pressing concern. The plant's advanced treatment ensures that the reused water meets health and environmental standards.

The plant's treated effluent is reused for agricultural irrigation in the Medina region, a practice that conserves freshwater resources in the arid Arabian Peninsula. The local watershed is characterized by wadis that drain into the Red Sea, but the plant's reuse scheme prevents direct discharge into natural water bodies, reducing potential impacts on downstream ecosystems. This approach supports soil conservation and reduces reliance on non-renewable groundwater.