Due to rapid economic and social development and global climate change many cities in southern China have been plagued by severe aquatic eco-environment pollution and pollution-induced water shortages. As a result, reclaimed water has become an essential source of water to alleviate water shortages. This paper presents a detailed analysis on the various issues related to the use of reclaimed water in highly urbanized areas, such as publicization, knowledge, financial support, experience accumulation, driving force and external environment as well as the comprehensive benefits and disadvantages in the utilization of reclaimed water, and discusses the purposes, forms, scale, water quality standards and treatment processes, management practices and other aspects in relation to the utilization of reclaimed water. Exemplified by the Macau Special Administrative Region, a highly urbanized area in southern China, as a typical case, this paper systematically studies the overall scheme regarding the utilization of reclaimed water in the region, the results of which may provide immediate references and evidence for reclaimed water utilization in similar areas.
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