Water Recycling for Industrial Reuse
- mhauser994
- Jul 19, 2024
- 1 min read
As published in the SV July 2024 Newsletter
Industrial water reuse means recycling water instead of using fresh water for non-irrigation purposes. Mainly used as a coolant in industries like chemicals, metals, and textiles, recycled water is also used for dust control, construction, commercial laundries, car washes, and flushing toilets. This is crucial because, as noted by the World Bank, gaps in access to water supply and sanitation are among the greatest risks to economic advancement, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. Clean water is not, and will never be possible, if wastewater is not collected, treated and used properly.
Reusing treated wastewater can provide a dependable water source for industrial, agricultural, and other non-potable purposes, at a lower cost and energy usage compared to alternatives like desalination or transferring water between basins. From a climate perspective, this can help cut down on greenhouse gasses like methane. It also provides a sustainable way to get more fresh water, helping to alleviate climate change. Increasing the sustainable potable water supply can help eradicate poverty, reduce malnutrition, and prevent the spread of disease.
A 2017 UN report highlighted a shift in wastewater management from 'treatment and disposal' to 'reuse, recycle, and resource recovery'. This change is driven by factors such as water scarcity, urbanization, industrial growth, environmental rules, and government incentives for water conservation and recycling technologies.
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