Aguakan Uses Anaerobic Digestion to Treat Wastewater in Quintana Roo

Cancun, Quintana Roo — Aguakan, the water utility serving four municipalities in Quintana Roo, has implemented anaerobic digestion to treat wastewater sludge, the company announced.

The process breaks down residual organic matter from water treatment in sealed, oxygen-free tanks. Naturally occurring bacteria decompose the material in a controlled, gradual manner without the need for additional chemicals.

By using this method, Aguakan reduces pollution generated during treatment, transforming waste into less harmful substances. The system also improves operational efficiency by cutting the volume of waste that must be handled, transported, or further treated.

Part of the waste is converted into biogas, a renewable energy source that the company uses on-site to power its systems, reducing reliance on the conventional electricity grid.

The initiative supports Aguakan’s shift toward a more sustainable model in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, and Puerto Morelos, aiming to minimize environmental impact while optimizing resource use.

Anaerobic digestion aligns with global trends toward cleaner, more efficient, and environmentally responsible water treatment systems, the company said.