Water Reuse and Recycling

Abstract

Proper wastewater treatment is now recognized as an indispensable instrument for combating waterborne microbial diseases and infections, as well as an appropriate means for expanding through water recycling and reuse the efficient management of an increasingly scarce, but essential, natural resource. While quality considerations and public acceptance may restrict certain uses of treated wastewater, its efficient utilization for appropriate purposes may release other quality waters for other ends, and thus expand total water supply. Particularly in agriculture, the reuse of treated wastewater and drainage water can release freshwater for higher-value or for more readily accepted use, and reduce fertilizer consumption. Limits on available water resources in certain parts of the United States have long suggested the need for a public policy for water reuse. California, for instance, has long been the leading state with respect to water reuse.