Water Reuse

Less than 1 percent of the world's water supply is potable, making water reclamation, also known as water reuse, a crucial practice that ensures there is plenty to go around. In addition to the use of reclaimed water for potable purposes, water quality experts support the consideration and use of highly treated reclaimed water for indirect potable reuse. The reuse of municipal wastewater for beneficial purposes is an important aspect of the world's total water resources management. Water reuse is a multifaceted issue and two important terms are used to describe how recycled water is an integral part of the water cycle. Recycled water generally refers to treated domestic wastewater that is used more than once before it passes back into the water cycle. The terms “reused” and “recycled” often are used interchangeably depending on where you are geographically.

WEF Water Reuse Community

The WEF Water Reuse Community develops, recommends, and conducts programs to promote general understanding of water reuse for non-potable and potable uses. The reuse of municipal wastewater for beneficial purposes is an important aspect of the world's total water resources management. The world's water supply is a finite resource, and the practice of water reuse provides a reliable way to diversify water supply portfolios.

Water Reuse Community volunteers are WEF’s technical resource on water recycling, from planning and public outreach to treatment processes and distribution. Our volunteers share their knowledge by:

• Developing workshops and moderating technical sessions each year at WEFTEC®;
• Jointly sponsoring the annual WateReuse Symposium;
• Authoring articles for WEF's technical journals;
• Participating in the development of other educational materials such as books, webcasts, distance learning courses and more;
• Providing comments to WEF Government Affairs on Federation Position Statements and U.S. government regulations and policies.

Apply to become a member of WEF's Water Reuse Community.

Technical Resources

Framework for Direct Potable Reuse - this framework document can be used to: (1) provide guidance on the key components that make up a DPR program; and (2) assist decision makers in understanding the role DPR projects can play in a community’s overall water portfolio. Until guidelines and regulations are prepared, this framework document can serve as a valuable resource to municipalities, utilities, and agencies seeking to implement DPR programs.

The WateReuse Association maintains the National Database of Water Reuse Facilities (NDWRF), a comprehensive web database of U.S. water reuse facilities and programs. The database is available to professionals, regulators, educators, researchers, and interested citizens and will serve as an industry benchmark as water reuse expands in the future. The database is segregated into key topic areas including utilities, facilities, treatment technologies, and end

Publications relating to water reuse:

1. Design of Water Resource Recovery Facilities, MOP 8.
2. Operation of Water Resource Recovery Facilities (MOP 11).

Related EPA Websites

• View the Environmental Protection Agency's page on groundwater and drinking water.
• The Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water (OW) ensures drinking water is safe, and restores and maintains oceans, watersheds, and their aquatic ecosystems to protect human health, support economic and recreational activities, and provide healthy habitat for fish, plants and wildlife.
• View the EPA's Promoting Technology Innovation for Clean and Safe Water- Water Technology Innovation Blueprint.