Urban water reuse: A triple bottom line assessment framework and review

Abstract

-Water reuse networks have been emerging globally for the last 50 years. This article reviews the economic, social and environmental issues related to implementing water reuse networks in cities. This is reflecting the fact that globally many cities are categorised as water scarce areas, where there is growing imbalance between water demand and availability. In this sense, there is a need for sustainable water supply solutions in the imminent future to provide and maintain service reliability, particularly in the face of climate change. To demonstrate the sustainability implications of water reuse practices, we review a case study in London, UK.

Nano-based adsorbent and photocatalyst use for pharmaceutical contaminant removal during indirect potable water reuse

“…Due to the multiple concerns surrounding the decline of freshwater resources and increasing water demand, water reclamation and reuse projects are widely popularizing all around the world. [17][18][19] With CEC detection in freshwater sources and revelations about CEC harm on human health and safety, potable water treatment facilities require careful design of additional steps to ensure water is safe for consumption. [20][21][22] Conventionally, harmful contaminants are removed from wastewater with a multiple barrier approach.…”

Degradation of Micropollutants by UV–Chlorine Treatment in Reclaimed Water: pH Effects, Formation of Disinfectant Byproducts, and Toxicity Assay

“…According to the plan, the utilization rate of reclaimed water, which has been proven as a reliable, safe, and sustainable approach to enhance water supply security [1] in water-deficient cities, should reach above 20% by 2020. Reclaimed water is encouraged to be used for landscaping, industrial purposes, agricultural irrigation, and even as a source to replenish groundwater in China, depending on the level of treatment [2][3][4][5]. According to the annual statistical yearbook for urban construction, 4.92 × 10 10 m 3 wastewater was discharged, more than 94.5% of the wastewater was treated by wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), and 22.8% of the treated wastewater was used to yield reclaimed water in 2017 [6].…”

Optimal energy-water management in urban residential buildings through grey water recycling

“…Therefore, a paradigm shift seeking to minimize amount of pollution generated and discharged, using and reusing water very near to the point of origin as well as treating water to the required quality is required [26]. This shift is leading to adoption of decentralized solutions such as water recycling and rain water harvesting [27], further accelerated by advanced water treatment technologies [28], change of attitude of end-users and increased awareness on the need to conserve fresh water [29]. In general, decentralized systems present numerous benefits, depending on the geographical area, including; cost reduction, resource efficiency, improved re-source security, reduction of system failure, economic empowerment of the local community and environmental benefits.…”

“…Planned indirect potable reuse utilizes an environmental buffer to provide further treatment and retention time such as in California and Florida. Unplanned potable reuse takes place through discharging treated waste water into the environment which is subsequently abstracted for potable use [28]. Non-potable reuse is the most commonly applied decentralized water recycling system in urban areas.…”

“…In fact, a study conducted in a small scale water recycling plant in England showed that the plant's operational cost was 20 times higher than in large scale recycling plants. The high cost was attributed to operational inefficiencies whereby staff and energy accounted for 51% and 27% respectively [28]. It is therefore important improve the operational efficiency of such plants by developing technologies that optimally operate the system by ensuring energy efficiency and minimal labour cost through autonomous operation are achieved.…”