Water Reuse and Wastewater Recycling at U.S. Army Installations: Policy Implications

摘要

In the future, some U.S. Army installations may face water shortages resulting from climate change, drought, reduced surface streams and aquifer levels, competing regional requirements for agriculture, municipal consumption, energy production, and environmental requirements. This reduction in available water resources will threaten the Army's ability to execute its mission. Many Federal, Department of Defense (DOD), and Army policies, regulations, plans, and strategies have sought to address this problem by encouraging water conservation, efficiency, and reuse. Many states also promote or require water reuse. Where practical, the Army promotes and practices water reuse in a numerous ways, e.g., for irrigation, aquifer recharge, cooling tower makeup, environmental purposes, vehicle washing, and industrial uses. Despite these efforts, Army water consumption is not decreasing. Water reuse and wastewater recycling are ways to reduce scarcity problems and reduce use of potable water. There is a need for additional ways, including policy changes, to encourage these conservation practices. This report explores current and potential water reuse and wastewater recycling in the Army (including applicable laws and regulations, differences between regulations and guidelines, potable reuse considerations, and examples of water reuse at installations), and makes recommendations for policy changes that will increase water reuse on Army installations.