Prospects for resource recovery through wastewater reuse

Abstract

This chapter attempts to show the inter-related nature of the water cycle and its uses, which in turn highlights its cross-sectoral character. It examines the concept of the water footprint and how urbanisation through creating a demand, leaves a mark on the hydrological cycle, via pollution of the environment through unmanaged/untreated wastewater flows. It includes a variety of concepts and approaches that explain the recent thinking behind water allocation and how this then relates both to the sanitation and agricultural sectors. The chapter argues how wastewater may be a feasible alternative for freshwater especially for irrigation in proximity to the city. Additionally, it is important not to overlook its value as a potential nutrient source, as this could enhance its overall resource worth, but this has to be accounted for, within the water management framework, and incorporated into the design of water systems from the conceptual stages. The chapter concludes by examining the typology of different reuse practices to assess the consequences and identify solutions. In this context the Design for Use paradigm that is gaining support, encourages source control of pollution, views wastewater as a resource, and designs systems for re-use with the potential for generating economic benefits, which can in turn be used in part to maintain the systems. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.