Overcoming global water reuse barriers: the Windhoek experience

Abstract

Water scarcity is a reality, with a recent UN report estimating that about half of the global population could be facing water shortages by 2030. This has focused attention on existing sources and what could be done to maximize potential. Water reuse, in particular direct potable reuse (DPR), has enjoyed a somewhat turbulent history globally. Despite this, the City of Windhoek has been practising DPR for more than 45 years, and this commentary presents globally accepted barriers standing in the way of DPR and attempts to explore ways to overcome these given the experience in Windhoek.