Roundtable Series Examines Challenges, Benefits of Water Reuse

摘要

Greater cooperation and interaction among agencies working with water, wastewater and stormwater can ensure that water reuse gets the consideration it deserves as part of an integrated water portfolio. A more robust database that includes rigorous cost/benefit analyses and other factors would help decision-makers objectively assess where reuse fits with other supply alternatives in their own portfolio. As the marginal cost of alternative sources escalate and public views are influenced by quality of services and perceived consequences of different approaches, water managers will broaden their portfolio to consider programs such as water reuse that were not previously considered when cheaper or more accessible alternatives were available.