Analysis Of Riparian Buffer Zone Between An Aquatic...
Recycled Water: Wastewater Poised to Be a Significant Source of The Nation's Water Supply
1. Using wastewater for water consumption may be
controversial. However, a report released on Tuesday from
Congress's science advisory group, the National Research
Council, suggests that treated wastewater has the
potential to be a large component of the nation's future
water supply. Recycled water is also known as "reclaimed
water, "water reuse," or "toilet to tap" by opponents.
3. Recycled water is already a common, established practice
in the United States- estimated to be less than 1%. of U.S.
water. However, it is still controversial. Southern California
is especially relevant to this study as a California water
crisis has caused much debate on water consumption over
the years. A decade ago, a plan to replenish the San
Fernando Valley groundwater with recycled water was
stopped in Los Angeles due to public outcry.
Today, Southern California it is still a pioneer in using
treated wastewater for its aquifers, and the majority of its
treated water is discharged into the Pacific Ocean.
5. According to the study, out of the 32 billion gallons of
water per day discharged nationwide, 12 billion gallons of
municipal wastewater are discharged into an ocean or
estuary. Reusing these discharges would increase available
water resources to 27% of the public's supply- an
important step in combating water shortages in the future
as the population increases and the water supply
decreases.
7. The study outlines that water recycling rules differ by
state, but adjustments to federal regulations could provide
more public confidence and a level of public health
protection. The study recommends conducting further
research to improve the coordination between federal and
non-governmental organizations and to update the
National Pretreatment Program to improve water reuse.
9. The study reports that the treated wastewater does not
pose a health risk due to technological advancements. R.
Rhodes Trussel, chair of the committee who wrote the
report, stated, "Wastewater reuse is poised to become a
legitimate part of the nation's water supply portfolio given
recent improvements to treatment processes. Although
reuse is not a panacea, wastewater discharged to the
environment is of such quantity that it could measurably
complement water from other sources and management
strategies." The study states that in some cases, the health
risks of wastewater reuse may be lower than the risks of
existing water supplies.
11. The study said that the costs of water reuse vary widely-it
tends to be more expensive than conventional water
conservation options but costs less than seawater
desalination. However, the report urges the water industry
to consider other costs and benefits. For example, water
recycling could be used with another water conservation
program during peak demands, and that recycled water
could have a smaller carbon footprint than existing
systems.
