UV Disinfection at Bonaire’s Wastewater Plant

Water that once rinsed dishes, showers, and laundry now brings life to young crops on the kunuku and lush gardens at island resorts. At Bonaire’s main wastewater treatment plant (RWZI), the UV disinfection system that makes this reuse possible is getting a major overhaul. The old unit is being replaced and expanded so treated wastewater—known as effluent—can be disinfected more effectively. The result: irrigation water that meets tighter safety standards and can be used with confidence.

Why this matters here

On a small island, fresh water is precious. Every drop counts, and untreated wastewater can threaten both people’s health and the coral reefs just offshore. This upgrade turns what was once waste into a valuable local resource: safe, reliable water for agriculture and landscaping. The system has been running since November 2023 and now delivers irrigation water so clean, it easily meets the highest safety standards. It keeps farmland green, resort gardens beautiful, and reduces the need to discharge water into the ocean.

Built for Bonaire’s water

The previous UV system simply wasn’t strong enough for the kind of effluent produced here. “We had the water tested extensively and recalculated the capacity,” says one of the plant’s technicians. “That’s how we found a UV solution that truly works for our island’s conditions.” Now the water is disinfected immediately before it’s sent to farmers or into the irrigation network—keeping it safe year-round.

Impact you can see

Cleaner irrigation water means healthier crops, safer working conditions for farmers, and less risk to visitors enjoying the island’s fresh produce. Resorts can keep their grounds green without tapping into the drinking water supply. And with less wastewater flowing into the sea, coral reefs face less stress helping them stay vibrant for generations to come.