The modern world is currently seeing an increase in water reclamation practices. Today, reclaimed water is no longer seen as a waste that needs to be disposed, but as a potential resource that can be reused or recycled to provide economic and financial benefits. Far from being something to discard or ignore, water reclamation is increasingly becoming an integral part of our water portfolio.
What is reclaimed water?
Reclaimed water, perhaps better described as “recycled water,” is wastewater that has been highly treated for reuse again – and again –while retaining beneficial elements. In simpler terms, reclaimed water is water that is used more than one time before it passes back into the natural water cycle.
How is reclaimed water treated?
In order for recycled water to be reused, it must first reach a quality that ensures environmental protection and public health. This is done by employing advanced wastewater treatment processes to eliminate any harmful by-products and limit human exposure to infections. When reclaimed water is treated for further use in crop irrigation, the water treatment must ensure that the water does not harm soils or plants, that the health of farm workers is safeguarded, and that food safety is maintained. In regions where there is a higher level of human exposure, additional treatment for reclaimed water may be necessary.
Let’s find out the applications of reclaimed wastewater.
So, what exactly is reclaimed wastewater used for?
Reclaimed wastewater is not used for drinking. However, there are many diverse applications that benefit from wastewater reuse and this practice has gained increased popularity over recent years. Various industries have made wastewater reclamation a top priority, due to the many advantages it offers in terms of time, money, resources, and protecting the environment.
URBAN USES
A lot of reclaimed wastewater goes towards the below:
- Irrigation of sporting facilities, and roadside areas
- Cleaning and landscaping alongside public roads
- Irrigating public landscapes (parks, gardens, highway medians, residential lawns)
- Fire alarm systems
- Vehicle washing
- Flushing toilets
- Air conditioning
- Dust control on Construction Sites
INDUSTRIAL USES
Where water recycling and reuse is practiced in Indian industry, the preference is for using treated wastewaters in various processes as below:
- In the thermal power sector, treated water is used for ash handling.
- In the mining industry, treated wastewater is used for washing ore.
- In power-generation plants, reclaimed wastewater is used for cooling power-generation equipment
- In the Construction industry, recycled water is used for concrete mixing and other construction processes
AGRICULTURAL USES
Wastewater reuse offers promising applications for different purposes in agriculture such as:
- Irrigation of crops
- Horticulture and gardening
- Groundwater Replenishment
- Irrigation of pasture lands and grasslands
RECREATIONAL USES
Reclaimed water is feasible from both a technical and an economic view point for recreational purposes like:
- Augment Water Bodies
- Irrigation for golf courses
- Fishing, boating, swimming
- Filling aesthetic fountains
- Artificial lakes and waterbodies
ENVIRONMENTAL USES
Water reuse and can be cost-effective in the long term and can brings tremendous environmental benefits such as:
- Wetlands creation, restoration and enhancement
- Marshes
- Stream augmentation
- Wildlife habitat
- Refilling aquifers
- Silviculture
- Rehabilitation of natural ecosystems
Benefits of Reclaimed Wastewater:
- Water reclamation has the potential to meet a variety of water supply needs and provide an alternative to the existing water supplies, thereby limiting the need for fresh water use.
- Using recycled, treated wastewater can relieve the stress on freshwater supplies used for agricultural purposes.
- Treated and recycled wastewater provides a cost-efficient supply that decreases the demands – and stress – on freshwater sources like groundwater.
Limitations of Reclaimed Wastewater:
- During the process of implementing wastewater reuse strategies, if the wastewater is inadequately treated, then this could contaminate the groundwater which would have adverse impacts on animal and plant life.
That said, given the increasing benefits of this practice, water reclamation is and should be considered a valuable resource and an important component of the overall water mix. By adapting recycling practices, we may collectively be able to create a big impact in our environment and community in the long run.
Recent Comments