A growing global population has created a significant increase in water demand that is difficult to meet with the currently available water supply that is already stressed by the effects of climate change. This imbalance in supply and demand has already led to water crisis not only in many developing countries but also in the developed parts of the world. One of the most effective ways of dealing with this water supply crisis is to reuse water. The old way of discarding water after just a single use is no longer practical. To create a sustainable and resilient water supply system to meet the ever-growing demand requires us to treat the used water and reuse it repeatedly. Treating and supplying reclaimed water to the public creates a different set of challenges than the traditional form of water supply where fresh water is taken from a source, treated and distributed. In addition to the traditional physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters for water quality, water reuse systems must also address the presence of pharmaceuticals and emerging contaminants, including PFAS, microplastics and nanomaterials, depending on the potential reuse.  It is no exaggeration to say that reuse projects can require significant infrastructure investments such as advanced treatment, separate pumping and distribution systems, and related appurtenances. Consequently, when evaluated strictly from a financial cost and benefit standpoint, these reuse projects tend to be more expensive than existing supplies and often drop out as options for water suppliers. The only way to justify most water reuse projects is to use the triple bottom line – financial, social, and environmental criteria – instead of the traditional cost and benefit analysis using only the financial aspect.  Water reuse systems also have several non-technical challenges from planning, creating public acceptance, designing, financing, pricing, construction, and operation and maintenance. Each one of these steps creates unique challenges to a water utility that is embarking on a reclaimed water project. These challenges also provide us with opportunities to be more innovative, efficient, sustainable, and resilient.  This presentation will provide a case study of the growing water reuse program in Austin, Texas. It will highlight Austin Water’s perspective and experience, and the issues and questions facing Austin Water as well as many other utilities while managing their water reuse programs.

Challenges and opportunities in water reuse: A water supplier’s perspective

ACS Fall 2021

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