The emergency outfall will be used in the event of operational disruptions typically caused by heavy rain, long power cuts, pipe failure or failure in the treatment process.

In case of emergencies the wastewater is currently first released to an emergency lagoon, and when the lagoon volume is used, the flow is diverted to a wadi where it can flow to the beach. This presents both a risk to the public health and the environment.

The new emergency outfall designed by COWI will during emergencies divert the wastewater far from the city and into the sea, avoiding any release of wastewater close to the public.

Environmentally optimised design
COWI deployed sophisticated hydraulic and water quality modelling of respectively the sanitary drainage system and the marine system to minimize the environmental impact from emergency releases.

The modelling was supported by environmental surveys to ensure an environmentally optimal solution.