The Role of Wastewater Reclamation and Reuse in the USA

Abstract

IAWPRC's Specialist Group on Wastewater Reclamation, Recycling and Reuse (Water Reuse Group) is conducting a day-long Water Reuse Seminar on August 1, 1990 at the 15th Biennial Conference in Kyoto, Japan. This paper is prepared to review the role of wastewater reclamation and reuse in water resources management in the U.S.A., and to serve as an introduction to the theme for the Seminar. Following a brief summary of available water resources in the United States, the role of wastewater reclamation and reuse is discussed in terms of planning and implementation. Major wastewater reuse categories are identified and discussed. The emphasis of this paper is on wastewater reuse in the context of the water supply benefits to water resources management rather than on water pollution control measures. The overriding importance in wastewater reclamation and reuse is to protect public health and to mitigate health risks. Accordingly, wastewater reclamation criteria for health protection are also presented.