Reuse of Regenerated Waters Under Water Scarcity

Abstract

Mediterranean countries face water supply challenges due to water scarcity. Water regeneration, recycling and reuse address these challenges by resolving water resource issues and creating new sources of high-quality water supplies. Among others, industrial activities worldwide account for about a quarter of all water consumption and there is hardly any industry that does not use large amounts of water. Water standards related to industrial activities may vary in a large range of parameters and limit values. In this context the future potential for regenerated treated water is enormous. This contribution reflects the potential of advanced technologies to produce regenerated water offering specific solutions to industrial reuse needs. A general example is illustrated by a case study representative of the ability of using WWTP effluents as regenerated water sources. Appropriate combination of advanced technologies allows the production of customized regenerated water according to the standards of the potential reuse industrial activities.