World Water Day
Water is everywhere: in our daily lives, in our operations, in nature, and, of course, in the future we want to build. On March 22nd, we celebrated World Water Day and paused to reflect on how we use this essential resource and the impact of our choices on the environment.
A shared responsibility for the Group
Ensuring conscious use and sustainable management is not just an environmental commitment, but a responsibility for all of us. The Group has achieved its 2025 water reduction target, by reducing by 10% its withdrawals per ton processed from 2017. Vallourec obtained an A- on the CDP Water rating in 2025, ranking among the leading companies in water management. It has further committed to reducing total net water withdrawals by 20% by 2030 from 2021.
Actions bearing fruits in South America
Here at Vallourec South America, water efficiency is already part of our daily routine. Our Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs), at the Barreiro and Jeceaba units, allow for the recirculation of more than 98.5% of the water used in the production process.
We also conduct ongoing water quality analyses for potable, industrial and recirculated water, to ensure operational efficiency, environmental protection, and safety for all. This monitoring is essential for:
- Avoiding impacts on rivers and ecosystems
- Complying with environmental regulations
- Ensuring the quality of production processes
- Protecting the well-being of neighboring communities
Today, we have seven wastewater treatment plants and nearly 30 closed recirculation loops that allow us to treat and reuse approximately 500,000 m³ of water per day. The results are very positive:
- 98.5% of water recirculation
- 25% reduction in water consumption
- Savings of 70 million liters per month
We believe that operational efficiency and environmental responsibility can – and should – go hand in hand. With this in mind, our Environmental Manager, Michele Conceição Alves, and Energy and Utilities Manager, Geovane Sousa, spoke about Vallourec South America’s various efforts towards the preservation and responsible use of this precious resource. Check out the video to learn about our initiatives and be inspired to transform your daily life too!
Water management in the Mine
In our Mining unit, the commitment to responsible water management is strong, with continuous monitoring and the promotion of recirculation systems to optimize resource use.
Currently, it has eight wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and three oil-water separators (OWS), responsible for treating all generated effluents. This process ensures environmental compliance and operational efficiency and is monitored through analyses conducted by a specialized technical team.
There is also periodic monitoring of streams and internal consumption points, such as drinking fountains. This ensures the quality of the water used and the preservation of the region’s water bodies.
