Pacifico Mexinol and Veolia Pioneer Industrial Water Reuse in Mexico
Pacifico Mexinol has concluded its annual water quality monitoring and baseline data collection study, marking a significant step toward sustainable water management in Ahome, Sinaloa. Since late 2024, the project has been sampling water at the point where wastewater from Los Mochis exits the oxidation ponds operated by the Ahome Municipality’s Drinking Water and Sewage Board (JAPAMA).
Laboratory tests conducted by an accredited Mexican laboratory analyzed more than 60 parameters, including pH, heavy metals, and dissolved solids. This data is critical for the design of an innovative wastewater reuse system, which is being developed by Veolia, a global leader in water technology.
Pacifico Mexinol itself is being developed by Transition Industries LLC, a developer of world-scale, net-zero carbon methanol and hydrogen projects. When completed, it will be the world’s largest standalone ultra-low carbon chemical production facility, producing 6,130 metric tons of methanol per day.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2024, Veolia is responsible for designing and equipping the water treatment plant for the methanol project in Topolobampo. Veolia will also handle the commissioning, startup, and operation of the system to ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and sustainability.
As part of its Good Neighbor Program and Strategic Community Investment initiative, Transition Industries is funding an upgrade to JAPAMA’s wastewater collection system. This upgrade will allow more wastewater from Los Mochis to reach the oxidation ponds, preventing untreated wastewater and raw sewage from bypassing the system and entering the Bay of Ohuira.
Once operational, the plant will rely on treated wastewater sourced from JAPAMA’s facilities, giving municipal wastewater a second life as a high-value industrial resource while providing additional revenue for the municipality. This approach ensures that the plant does not compete for natural water sources used for agriculture, urban needs, or domestic consumption.
Although the wastewater has already undergone basic treatment, it still contains residual particles, organic matter, nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, dissolved salts, and microorganisms. Veolia’s advanced treatment technologies will remove these contaminants through a four-stage process to achieve total water regeneration:
- ZeeWeed™ 500EV Membrane Bioreactor – Removes solids and organic matter while reducing microorganisms.
- MUNI and PROflex™ Two-Stage Reverse Osmosis – Eliminates dissolved salts and remaining impurities.
- UV Oxidation – Further disinfects the water and eliminates trace organic compounds.
- E-Cell™ Electrodeionization (EDI) – Final purification to achieve high-quality water suitable for industrial use.
This circular water model transforms municipal wastewater into a strategic industrial resource, allowing Pacifico Mexinol to operate without drawing from freshwater sources. It positions the project among the few in the world using municipal wastewater at this scale, demonstrating that economic development and environmental stewardship can coexist.
The project also sets a precedent for sustainable industrial water management in Mexico. By leveraging advanced water reuse technology, Pacifico Mexinol will minimize environmental impact while maximizing water resource efficiency. This approach ensures that Topolobampo and Sinaloa remain at the forefront of industrial water innovation, showcasing that industrial growth can align with ecological responsibility and social inclusion.
Transition Industries’ commitment to sustainability goes beyond technology. Its investment in local infrastructure, such as upgrading JAPAMA’s wastewater systems, enhances community well-being and reduces environmental risks. By ensuring that more wastewater reaches treatment facilities rather than flowing untreated into natural water bodies, the project protects local ecosystems while supporting economic growth.
The Pacifico Mexinol project embodies a long-term vision for responsible industrial development. By turning wastewater into a high-value input for methanol production, the plant reduces pressure on freshwater supplies and demonstrates a scalable model for circular water use. The integration of Veolia’s sophisticated treatment technologies ensures the highest water quality standards, setting a benchmark for industrial water reuse globally.
In summary, Pacifico Mexinol and Veolia are pioneering a new era of industrial water management in Mexico. Through innovative reuse technologies, strategic community investments, and a commitment to sustainability, the project transforms municipal wastewater into a critical industrial resource. Topolobampo will become a model for clean, responsible industry, demonstrating that economic progress is most meaningful when it respects the environment, benefits local communities, and safeguards resources for future generations.
At Pacifico Mexinol, responsible progress is the foundation of every initiative. The project reflects a clear commitment to clean industry, sustainability, and circular resource management, proving that industrial innovation and environmental stewardship can advance hand in hand.
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