The challenges of wastewater reuse in Peru

Abstract

In Peru, particularly in the province of Lima, there exists a situation of high demand for water and limited availability, resulting from several factors, such as asymmetric distribution of water, accelerating population growth, and high levels of surface and subterranean water pollution. In addition, the region is experiencing the consequences of climate change and global warming, which aggravate the water scarcity situation. Given this scenario, the implementation of alternative resources is urgently required, so that additional sources of water supply can be generated, thereby reducing the pressure on existing natural water sources and improving the quality of receiving water bodies, since the purification of wastewater constitutes a sustainable mechanism to minimize environmental impacts. In this context, this article aims to address the following questions: What legislative solutions have been introduced to deal with the problem of water pollution in Peru, predominantly wastewater of untreated domestic origin? Moreover, how significant is the consideration of treated wastewater as an alternative water source? Specifically, the aim is to offer a legal analysis of the reusing of treated wastewater in Peru, based on a review and interpretation of the regulatory system which defines the administrative and technical aspects of water reuse regulation and management; however, the article begins by conducting an analysis of the recommendations produced by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) applicable to wastewater management, within theframework of the Country Program, and Peru’s incorporation into that initiative.