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What is Reuse Water?
The world’s population is expected to increase dramatically between now and the year 2020 and with this growth will come an increased need for water to meet various needs, as well as an increased production of wastewater. Many communities throughout the world are approaching, or have already reached, the limits of their available water supplies; water reclamation and reuse have almost become necessary for conserving and extending available water supplies. Water reuse may also present communities with an alternate wastewater disposal method as well as provide pollution abatement by diverting effluent discharge away from sensitive surface waters. Already accepted and endorsed by the public in many urban and agricultural areas, properly implemented nonpotable reuse projects can help communities meet water demand and supply challenges without any known significant health risks.
Water reclamation for nonpotable reuse has been adopted in the U.S. and elsewhere without the benefit of national or international guidelines or standards. Twenty-five states in the U.S. currently have regulations regarding water reuse. The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for agricultural irrigation reuse (dated 1989) are under revision (World Health Organization Website, 2003).
Types of Reuse Applications
Reuse water may be used for a variety of applications. These include:
- Urban;
- Industrial;
- Agricultural;
- Environmental and recreational;
- Groundwater recharge;
- Augmentation of potable supplies
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BCR Benefits 