Expanding Bonaire’s wastewater treatment plant

Bonaire is booming. New homes are rising. Tourism is thriving. And with that growth comes more wastewater — all of it ending up at one hard-working facility in Kralendijk.

Right now, that plant works at the edge of its limits. By expanding its capacity, WEB Bonaire is making sure it can handle today’s demand and tomorrow’s growth — without letting untreated water reach our fragile marine environment.

What’s at stake

If the plant gets overloaded, dirty water can seep into the ground and flow toward the sea. That’s a direct threat to the Bonaire National Marine Park, our coral reefs, our swim areas, and public health. The current system was built for a smaller Bonaire. The island has outgrown it — and it’s time to build for the future.

The upgrade in action

The expansion is happening in stages, so the plant keeps running throughout the work. A third SBR reactor will raise daily treatment capacity from 1,386 to 2,100 cubic meters — a 50% boost.

A new truck wastewater reception station and extra buffer tanks are also being added. These can handle septic loads during maintenance or heavy rains, preventing overflows and protecting the environment.

“This expansion means we can treat much more wastewater safely,” says a WEB project leader. “That’s essential for a healthy, livable Bonaire.”

Lasting impact for Bonaire

You might never see it, but the difference will be real. Wastewater will stay out of the sea and out of the ground. Treated water will meet the quality standards for irrigation, supporting agriculture and greenery. And during peak tourist season or storms, the system will keep working without interruption.

This is quiet infrastructure — but it keeps Bonaire healthy, protects the reef, and ensures the island stays a place people want to live and visit.