There are areas of the world where freshwater is so abundant, that the local residents have no idea how scarce the water supply is for others that live elsewhere on the planet. Wastewater reuse has become a growing practice due to the increasing scarcity of freshwater in many areas around the world.
1. Lower Risk of Pollution
When wastewater isn’t treated correctly and is released into the freshwater supply, it doesn’t decompose, thus polluting our lake, rivers, oceans, and streams. Some areas have Hi-Vac services that remove impurities like sludge, liquids, and solids from roadside drains. The reuse of water eliminates the risk of pollutants being released into our larger bodies of water.
2. Water Scarcity Issues
You may have heard the quote that says, “Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink.” This statement is made in regards to the salt water in the ocean, which represents nearly 97% of the water on the planet. This means that the fresh water that we need to live represents less than 5% of the water on the planet. Reuse helps combat water scarcity issues that many areas face.
3. Having Reliable Water Sources
Municipalities and large corporations in areas of high demand may need to develop their own water sources. Water that is processed on-site and reused is a possible solution. Having their own source of supply lowers their reliance on the surface water and groundwater.
4. Meeting Water Mandates
To promote sustainable practices, some federal, state and local governments in the US have put regulations and mandates in place. Some areas have sustainability goals that they are pushing towards. Reusing wastewater helps meet these requirements and goals.
5. Water Recycling Saves Money
The potential cost and energy savings make wastewater recycling an attractive concept also. On the industrial level, wastewater reuse provides relief of expenses relating to the disposal, treatment, and maintenance costs associated with the traditional processing of wastewater.
6. Decrease Transportation Costs
Some industries produce large amounts of wastewater. These companies often transport this wastewater to different locations miles away. The transport of this water can have a considerable cost accrue over a short period of time. The fuel and wage expense can be eliminated if there is on-site water recycling technology at the location where the water is used initially.
7. It is Environmentally Responsible
Those that understand what sustainability means to the future of this planet do things that are good for the environment because they know that every effort counts. Reusing water is an effort that has a direct impact on local environments and economies. Some communities are becoming proactive with wastewater recycling. For instance, there are 10 water reclaim facilities in Los Angeles, California alone. As demands increase, we will likely see an increase of these facilities around the country.
Conclusion
The reuse of water is needed to address the growing scarcity around the globe and avoid future, looming water shortages. A proactive approach towards sustainability is required to assure a better environment for our future generations.