Metal Recovery for Water Treatment
Efficient removal and recovery of valuable or hazardous metals from industrial water systems
Metal recovery is a vital part of modern water treatment, particularly for industrial processes where water contains dissolved heavy metals or valuable trace elements. Whether your focus is environmental compliance, effluent discharge control, or reclaiming high-value metals for reuse, AllWater Technologies offers proven solutions tailored to your system.
We work closely with manufacturers, surface treatment facilities, and chemical processing plants to design, install, and maintain water treatment systems that remove or recover metals such as nickel, copper, zinc, chromium, and lead. Our approach combines advanced technologies—including ion exchange and specialist filtration—with deep industry experience to deliver reliable, cost-effective outcomes.
Tailored Solutions for Metal Removal and Recovery
Every application is different, with variations in water chemistry, flow rate, metal concentration, and compliance requirements. AllWater designs bespoke treatment systems to match your specific needs, drawing on a wide range of technologies.
Metal Removal Using Ion Exchange
Ion exchange is a widely used method for removing dissolved metals from water, particularly in rinse water and wastewater streams. Specially formulated resins exchange metal ions in solution with harmless ions (typically sodium or hydrogen), capturing them within the resin bed.
AllWater supplies, installs, and services systems using a wide selection of high-performance ion exchange resins, including those specifically designed for:
- Heavy metals (e.g. lead, cadmium, mercury)
- Precious metals (e.g. silver, gold, platinum group metals)
- Base metals (e.g. copper, zinc, nickel, chromium)
Systems can be set up for metal removal, metal recovery, or both, depending on operational goals. Spent resin can often be regenerated for reuse or sent for offsite metal reclamation.
Specialist Filtration and Pre-Treatment
Filtration often forms a critical part of the metal recovery process. This may involve:
- Cartridge and bag filters to remove particulates before ion exchange
- pH correction systems to optimise metal precipitation or binding
- Precipitation and coagulation processes for metals not effectively removed via ion exchange
- Advanced oxidation for stubborn or complex metal-organic compounds
We ensure each step of the process supports stable, predictable performance and aligns with site-specific discharge or reuse criteria.
Recovery of Valuable Metals
In some industries such as electronics, plating or precious metal refining there is significant commercial value in recovering metals from water streams. AllWater designs closed-loop and recovery systems that allow clients to reclaim high-value materials and reduce waste volumes.
This may include:
- Batch or continuous ion exchange systems
- Resin regeneration infrastructure or service exchange
- Sludge handling and offsite metal reclamation services
- Effluent polishing to enable water reuse
We work with clients to assess return on investment and lifecycle costs to ensure the system delivers lasting commercial and environmental benefits.
Our support includes
Telephone & remote diagnostics for rapid fault identification
System troubleshooting and root cause analysis
Planned service visits tailored to your production schedule
Guidance on optimisation, upgrades and retrofit options
Ongoing training and user support post-installation
On-site engineering support from qualified specialists
Compliance with Water Discharge Standards
For many manufacturers, metal recovery is not just a commercial issue—it’s a regulatory one. Discharge limits for metals such as chromium, lead, copper, and zinc are increasingly stringent, particularly under Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR) and consent to discharge agreements.
AllWater supports clients in meeting these standards through:
- System audits and sample analysis
- Bespoke process design based on target metals and concentrations
- Ongoing monitoring and performance reviews
- Integration of outfall monitoring systems to track pH, flow, and metal levels
Applications and Industries
Our metal recovery systems are used across a wide range of industrial applications, including:
- Metal finishing and electroplating
- Printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing
- Battery production and recycling
- Automotive and aerospace component washing
- Chemical processing
- Mining and mineral extraction
- Paint and coatings production
From small-scale batch recovery to high-volume continuous systems, we design flexible solutions that integrate with your existing processes and infrastructure.
Benefits of Effective Metal Recovery
Whether your aim is recovery, removal, or reuse, effective metal treatment offers measurable benefits:
- Reduced effluent treatment costs
- Increased compliance with discharge permits
- Recovery of valuable raw materials
- Safer handling and storage of metal-rich waste
- Greater sustainability and reduced environmental impact
- Improved resource efficiency in closed-loop systems
By removing or recovering metals at the right stage in your process, you reduce risk while unlocking potential savings and value.
Why Choose AllWater Technologies?
With a long-standing track record in industrial water treatment, AllWater offers the insight, technical knowledge, and service commitment to help you address even the most complex metal recovery challenges.
We provide:
- UK-based design and engineering expertise
- In-house project management from concept to commissioning
- A full portfolio of supporting services, from instrumentation to operator training
- Ongoing support via service agreements or on-demand call-outs
- Full documentation to support regulatory submissions and audits
- A wide network of technology partners and specialist suppliers
Whether you’re retrofitting a recovery system to an ageing plant or designing a new process from the ground up, we work as your technical partner throughout.
Committed to Excellence
Ready to Discuss Your Requirements?
If your facility discharges metal-containing wastewater or could benefit from metal recovery, our engineers are ready to help. We’ll assess your current system, review your discharge permit, and recommend a practical, cost-effective solution built around your goals.
Ready for Support?
Unsure how to optimise water treatment for your industry? Our team is here to help. We’ll assess your requirements, design a solution, and provide the quality, reliability, and service you deserve. Reach out to discuss how we can help you achieve your operational goals.
Get in touch today to discuss your requirements.
Let’s keep your systems running at their best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Ion exchange is effective for removing a wide range of metals, including lead, copper, nickel, chromium, and zinc. Resin selection depends on your specific water chemistry and metal concentrations.
Yes. Depending on the process and level of contamination, recovered metals can often be reclaimed and reused or sent to third parties for refining and resale.
This varies by region and consent agreement. Common metals such as chromium, copper, and lead often have strict mg/L limits. We can help assess your obligations and build a system to meet them.
Yes. Some clients focus on discharge compliance only, while others require recovery and reuse. We tailor each solution accordingly.
Absolutely. Many of our systems are modular and can be integrated into existing processes with minimal disruption.
Water Treatment Case Studies
Explore our case studies to see how AllWater Technologies has partnered with clients across various industries to design and deliver tailored water treatment solutions. Each project highlights our commitment to meeting exacting standards, solving unique challenges, and optimising water management processes to help our clients achieve their operational goals. Discover how our expertise and dedication to quality have made a real difference for businesses just like yours.
A Handful of our Valued Clients
Get in Touch with AllWater Technologies
We’re here to help with all your water treatment needs. Whether you have questions about our services, want to discuss a project, or need support, our team is ready to assist you. Fill out the form for general enquiries, or you are welcome to email direct or give us a call.
AllWater House
Unit 2,
Cheddar Business Park,
Wedmore Road,
Cheddar
BS27 3EB
Opening hours
Mon-Fri: 08:30-17:30 (GMT)