Water reclamation and reuse criteria in the U.S.

Abstract

Increasing demands on water resources for domestic, commercial, industrial, and agricultural purposes we made water reclamation and reuse an attractive option for conserving and extending available water supplies. Also, many water reuse projects are implemented to eliminate a source of contamination surface waters or as a least-cost alternative to meeting stringent discharge requirements. Reclaimed water applications range from pasture irrigation to augmentation of potable water supplies. Water lamation and reuse criteria are principally directed at health protection. There are no federal regulations governing water reuse in the U.S.; hence, the regulatory burden rests with the individual tes. This has resulted in differing standards among states that have developed criteria. This paper nmarizes and compares the criteria from some states that have developed comprehensive regulations. Guidelines published by the US. EPA and the rationale behind them are presented for numerous types reclaimed water applications.