A Critical Review of Water Reuse in North America: The Historical Shift from Technological Priorities to Public Perception Studies

Abstract

Water reuse is an increasingly popular consideration for municipalities, developers, and businesses. Currently, the majority of water reuse applications originate from Australia, Southeast Asian nations, and the Middle East. Stresses posed by population growth and/or water scarcity seem to be the primary drivers for the prevalence of reuse applications in these regions. However, an increasing number of regions in North America are in the process of implementing or have already implemented some form of water reuse. As a result, this paper aims to present an overview of the history and current state of reuse in North America, with the objective of defining past and current challenges, gaps in current research, and necessary steps for more robust reuse applications. Ultimately, the paper critically assesses the trajectory of reuse projects in North America from the 1970s onwards; highlighting the gradual shift in focus from technological feasibility to public perception studies associated with water reuse.