Iswater reuse sustainable? : factors affecting its sustainability

Abstract EN

Water reclamation and reuse is playing an increasingly important role in sustainable water resources management.

But is water reuse sustainable? To be sustainable, a water reuse project must serve its long-term functional roles without shifting environmental burdens to future generations or producing adverse socio-economic effects.

In this paper, we review sustainability assessment methods to aid decision makers in comparing alternative systems, improving environmental performance, and tracking progress toward sustainability.

We discuss concerns regarding long-term environmental effects of water reuse systems, including energy demands, impacts on irrigated land, and accumulation and health effects of trace contaminants.

We also suggest socio-economic considerations that are key to maintaining long-term benefits of water reuse systems.