RECYCLING WATER SAVES FUTURE DRINKING SUPPLIES

摘要

No longer is it a matter of if we will utilize reuse technologies. It is a matter of when in order to sustain economic growth and minimize environmental impact. WATER is one of the most precious of the world's resources, yet too little effort is madeto conserve and preserve the limited available supply. Water resources available for consumption vary considerably around the world with some areas having more than 26.4 million gallons (100,000 m~3) per capita. This abundance in some regions tends to create a perception of an infinite supply with minimal need for conservation. Yet, in other regions of the world, the fresh water available is less than 79,000 gallons (300 m~3) per capita. These fresh water resources are being withdrawn in some countriesat rates that approach 5,000 m~3 per capita, while in most countries the withdrawal is about 500 m~3 per capita or less. The world's water resources are being depleted every year due to the fact that most countries are mining their freshwater resources with withdrawal exceeding the rate of recharge. Approximately 70 percent of the fresh water consumed worldwide is utilized by food production systems. In the most developed countries of the world, the largest consumer of water is industry, which includesmany food-related processes. Only approximately 10 percent of freshwater use is for domestic purposes.