Non-traditional Water Sources Research Articles

Traditional approaches for educating farmers about nontraditional water: Evaluating preferred outreach, education, and methods for alleviating concerns

Due to increased variability in precipitation it is critical to identify alternative, nontraditional water sources for food production. Water reuse, the use of treated municipal wastewater, could be an alternative high-quality water source for agricultural systems. Tailoring education about water reuse to specific audiences is crucial for increasing public acceptance, especially for the farmers being asked to use this water source. Through a survey distributed from 2016 through 2018, farmers in the Mid-Atlantic and Southwest regions of the United States provided feedback on their preferred approaches to alleviate concerns (n = 749), and preferred outreach and education methods (n = 719) for learning about nontraditional water sources, including water reuse. Overall, farmers’ top priority was water quality information to alleviate their concerns (55%). Farmers preferred to attend half-day workshops in their home county for outreach and education (57%). There were differences in preferences for alleviating concerns and receiving education by sex, geographic region, and concern about nontraditional water. Women wanted more information than men to alleviate concerns (p = 0.001) and more types of outreach and education regarding nontraditional water use (p < 0.001). Farmers who were 18–29 and 30–49 years old reported that public acceptance would alleviate concerns about nontraditional water use at a significantly higher rate (25% and 24%) than farmers in the 50–69 year old category (17%) (p = 0.04 for both). The 18–29 year olds also preferred water treatment plant tours (37%) more than all other age groups (26% or less) (p < 0.001). Information about farmer preferences for nontraditional water education and outreach can be used to develop tailored education programs and increase acceptance and use of these important water sources.

The Thirst Quenchers

Abstract Scientists are developing a wide variety of technologies to solve the urgent problem of water shortages across the world. In fact, many have been working for decades on finding better and more economical ways to turn non-traditional sources of water into potable water for drinking and cooking. This article focus on early-stage research and development of energy-efficient and cost-competitive technologies to tap nontraditional water sources for a variety of uses.

Pathogen infection risk to recreational water users, associated with surface waters impacted by de facto and indirect potable reuse activities

Water deficit, exacerbated by global population increases and climate change, necessitates the investigation of alternative non-traditional water sources to augment existing supplies. Indirect potable reuse (IPR) represents a promising alternative water source in water-stressed regions. Of high concern is the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in wastewater, such as enteric viruses, protozoa and bacteria. Therefore, a greater understanding of the potential impact to human health is required. The aim of this research was to use a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) approach to calculate the probability of potential pathogen infection risk to the public in surface waters used for a range of recreational activities under scenarios: 1) existing de facto wastewater reuse conditions; 2) after augmentation with conventionally treated wastewater; and 3) after augmentation with reclaimed wastewater from proposed IPR schemes. Forty-four 31 l samples were collected from river sites and a coastal wastewater treatment works from July 2016–May 2017. Concentrations of faecal indicator organisms (enterococci, faecal coliforms, somatic coliphages and Bacteroides phages) determined using culture-based approaches and selected pathogens (adenovirus, Salmonella and Cryptosporidium) determined using molecular approaches (qPCR) were used to inform QMRA. The mean probability of infection from adenovirus under de facto conditions was high (>0.90) for all recreational activities, per single event. The risk of adenovirus and Cryptosporidium infection increased under augmentation scenario (2) (mean probability 0.95–1.00 and 0.01–0.06 per single event, respectively). Adenovirus and Cryptosporidium infection risk decreased under reclaimed water augmentation scenario (3) (mean probability <0.79, excluding swimming, which remained 1.00 and <0.01 per single event, respectively). Pathogen reduction after reclaimed water augmentation in surface waters impacted by de facto reuse, provides important evidence for alternative water supply option selection. As such, this evidence may inform water managers and the public of the potential benefits of IPR and improve acceptance of such practices in the future.

Pharmaceuticals, herbicides, and disinfectants in agricultural water sources

Agricultural water withdrawals account for the largest proportion of global freshwater use. Increasing municipal water demands and droughts are straining agricultural water supplies. Therefore, alternative solutions to agricultural water crises are urgently needed, including the use of nontraditional water sources such as advanced treated wastewater or reclaimed water, brackish water, return flows, and effluent from produce processing facilities. However, it is critical to ensure that such usage does not compromise soil, crop, and public health. Here, we characterized five different nontraditional water types (n = 357 samples) for the presence of pharmaceuticals, herbicides, and disinfectants using ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry based method (UPLC-MS/MS). We then evaluated whether the levels of these contaminants were influenced by season. The highest level of herbicides (atrazine) was detected in untreated pond water (median concentration 135.9 ng/L). Reclaimed water had the highest levels of antibiotics and stimulants including azithromycin (215 ng/L), sulfamethoxazole (232.1 ng/L), and caffeine (89.4 ng/L). Produce processing plant water also tended to have high levels of atrazine (102.7 ng/L) and ciprofloxacin (80.1 ng/L). In addition, we observed seasonal variability across water types, with the highest atrazine concentrations observed during summer months, while the highest median azithromycin concentrations were observed in reclaimed water during the winter season. Further studies are needed to evaluate if economically feasible on-farm water treatment technologies can effectively remove such contaminants from nontraditional irrigation water sources.

U.S. farmers' opinions on the use of nontraditional water sources for agricultural activities

Water is a key resource for agricultural production in the United States. Due to projected changes in water availability across the country, long-term sustainability of agricultural production may rely on finding alternatives to traditional water sources. The aim of this study was to assess farmers' opinions on the use of nontraditional water sources (e.g., agricultural runoff, treated wastewater, recycled water, produced water, untreated surface water, and brackish surface and groundwater) for agricultural activities. A survey was distributed to farmers (n = 746) in the Mid-Atlantic and Southwest regions of the United States (U.S.) about water availability and nontraditional irrigation water perceptions. Chi-square, Fisher's exact tests, f-tests, and multinomial and ordinal logistic regression analyses were conducted. Of farmers surveyed, 80% (431/543) considered the use of nontraditional water sources to be at least moderately important and 61% (444/727) would use nontraditional water if given the option. Each of the following factors individually increased the likelihood that a farmer considered nontraditional water very important for agriculture: Farmers who lived in the Southwest region compared to the Mid-Atlantic, farmers who were concerned about water availability compared with those who were not, farmers with a graduate or professional degree compared to those with less education, farmers with access to nontraditional water, and farmers with some knowledge of nontraditional water compared to those with no reported knowledge. Concern about water availability and knowledge of nontraditional water sources were significantly associated with willingness to use these water sources (p < 0.001 for both). Water quality, food safety and health risks were the main concerns regarding nontraditional water use across both regions. Willingness to use nontraditional water increased significantly if the water quality was proven to be as good or better than farmers' current water sources (63% vs. 84%; p < 0.001). Projects focused on nontraditional water use in agriculture should be regionally tailored as our data found significant differences between farmers in two distinct U.S. regions.

Effect of Untreated Water Flow Rate at Certain Temperature on the Discharge of Treated Water

The origin and continuation of mankind is based on water. Water is one of the most abundant resources on earth, covering three-fourths of the planet’s surface. Water is one of the earth’s most abundant resources, covering about three-quarters of the planet’s surface. The reason for this apparent contradiction is, of course, that - 97.5% of the earth’s water is salt water in the oceans and only 2.5% is fresh water in ground water, lakes and rivers and this supplies most human and animal needs. It would be feasible to address the water-shortage problem with seawater desalination; however, the separation of salts from seawater requires large amounts of energy which, when produced from fossil fuels, can cause harm to the environment. The discharge from desalination plants is almost entirely water, and .01 percent is salt. Desalination is a process that extracts minerals from saline water. Solar-powered desalination technologies can be used to treat non-traditional water sources to increase water supplies in rural, arid areas. Water is the basis of life, the origin of human endurance, and the prime material base to guarantee the economy significant development of a country. This solar desalination technique explains the diminutive and extensive-period feasibility of via solar energy as a system to influence desalination. Seawater and briny water were considered, as well as liquid waste. This protocol summarizes that solar desalination expenditure remains lower to exchange saline water into clean water. Water scarceness is a rising dilemma for large regions of the world. Access to safe, fresh and pure clean drinking water is one of the most important and prime troubles in different parts of the world. Among many of water cleansing technologies solar desalination/distillation/purification is one of the most sustainable and striking method engaged to congregate the supply of clean and pure drinkable water in remote areas at a very sound cost. Six types of dripper having discharge 3 - 8 lh-1 were installed one by one and measured discharge and volume of clean water indicated that at 6 lh-1 untreated water discharge have maximum evaporation and volume of clean water was 19.2 lh-1 at same temperature and radiations. Now strategy was developed that when increased the temperature the intake discharge of untreated water must be increased and salt drained water two times more than treated water.

Understanding grower perceptions and attitudes on the use of nontraditional water sources, including reclaimed or recycled water, in the semi-arid Southwest United States

The use of nontraditional water sources, including reclaimed or recycled water, has become a desirable option to meet increasing demands in water stressed regions. In the Southwest United States, utilization of alternative water sources is becoming increasingly common, including use for landscape irrigation, environmental enhancement, cooling and power generation, potable reuse, and as a source water for agricultural irrigation. While much research has gone into identifying public perception towards water reuse schemes, little attention has been given to understanding grower attitudes, perceptions, and knowledge on the use of nontraditional water, including reclaimed water, in agriculture and how that may influence grower acceptance and production practices. This unique study utilized a needs assessment survey of growers (n = 521) within the Southwest region of the United States to gain an understanding of industry attitudes and needs regarding nontraditional water in agriculture. Results indicate that the majority of survey respondents were concerned with water availability (67.49%) yet less than half (48.30%) thought using a nontraditional water source in agriculture was ‘very important’. Interestingly, respondents rated irrigation of ‘food crops’ third (42.20%) among agricultural activities for which they would be willing to use nontraditional water sources, behind irrigation of forage crops (61.60%) and dust control (61.60%). The importance of the use of nontraditional water sources in agriculture was influenced mostly by farm size (p = 0.007) and primary water source (p = 0.016), and the level of education was significant in respondent's level of concern over water availability (p = 0.021). Information on the quality of nontraditional water sources, showing that it is as good or better than respondents current sources, was found to shift rejection and uncertainty towards acceptance by 16.04%. The results of this study provide insight into perceived risks, willingness to use, drivers and constraints to grower adoption, and preferred methods of education regarding water reuse in agriculture. These findings can be used by water managers and planners to aid in the adoption of nontraditional waters, including reclaimed or recycled water, in agriculture thus extending water resources, securing food supplies, and protecting public health.

Assessing the Potential of Nontraditional Water Sources for Landscape Irrigation

Scarcity and competition for good quality and potable water resources are limiting their use for urban landscape irrigation, with several nontraditional sources being potentially available for these activities. Some of these alternative sources include rainwater, stormwater, brackish aquifer water, municipal reclaimed water (MRW), air-conditioning (A/C) condensates, and residential graywater. Knowledge on their inherent chemical profile and properties, and associated regional and temporal variability, is needed to assess their irrigation quality and potential short- and long-term effects on landscape plants and soils and to implement best management practices that successfully deal with their quality issues. The primary challenges with the use of these sources are largely associated with high concentrations of total salts and undesirable specific ions [sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), boron (B), and bicarbonate (HCO3−) alkalinity]. Although the impact of these alternative water sources has been largely devoted to human health, plant growth and aesthetic quality, and soil physicochemical properties, there is emergent interest in evaluating their effects on soil biological properties and in natural ecosystems neighboring the urban areas where they are applied.

A preliminary investigation on water quality of coalbed natural gas produced water for beneficial uses: a case study in the Southern Qinshui Basin, North China.

Coalbed natural gas (CBNG) is an important unconventional natural gas resource with large reserves in China and receives much attention these years. The CBNG production is accomplished by extracting large volumes of produced water from the aquifer. The CBNG-produced water is commonly managed by discharging into nearby disposal ponds in the Southern Qinshui Basin (SQB), which provides an opportunity for water source for nearby irrigation, livestock, wildlife, and human drinking water. However, utilization of this nontraditional water source in the SQB is hindered by limited knowledge of water quality, practically oxidation/reduction potential (OPR), electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ration (SAR), and trace element chemistry data. The objective of this study was to collect CBNG-produced water samples at discharge points in the SQB and investigate their water quality principally, including physicochemical parameters, major ions parameters, and trace element parameters. Discharge points were sampled from five main CBNG blocks in the SQB including SZ, ZZ, FZ, CZ, and PZ blocks from July 31, 2013 to August 11, 2014. A composite geochemical data was created with the test results from 145 produced water samples, resulting in information on 40 constituents/parameters. The resulting constituents/parameters were compared to common water use criteria of China to determine possible beneficial uses. Results suggest that the CBNG-produced waters from SQB are characterized by dominated Na-HCO3 type waters, with approximately 12% Na-SO4 and Na-Cl type waters. The observed TDS ranges from 615 to 4376mg/L with 91% are less than 3000mg/L, and Na+ and HCO3- are the dominating determinants of the TDS content. The EC values vary from 930 to 3844μS/cm, ranging from class 3 to class 5 based on the suitability for irrigation. The CBNG-produced waters in SQB generally exhibit higher SAR values (avg. 41.98). Among the 25 detected trace elements in CBNG-produced waters from SQB, elements of environmental concerns include aluminum, iron, selenium, barium, manganese, nickel, and plumbum because their concentrations exceed the related Chinese regulatory standards for human drinking. The commonly constituents exceeding standards for human drinking water, livestock water, poultry water, and irrigation water include fluorinion, pH, and TDS. Besides, targeted reduction of SAR and EC also needs to be treated for most of the produced waters if used for irrigation. In contrast, the CBNG-produced waters in SQB are the most suitable for livestock water, because approximately 88% of the CBNG-produced waters are suitable for livestock drinking if the fluorinion is reduced.

Water quality risk management strategies for remote operations

Abstract The delivery of treatment and supply solutions for the management of water infrastructure for small and remote communities presents unique challenges. The identification of water quality hazards, the management of risks and conducting plant performance validation and verification activities can all be problematic. The ‘Demonstration of Robust Water Recycling’ (Robust Recycling) Project was funded by the Australian Water Recycling Centre of Excellence (AWRCoE) and the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) as a means of developing strategies for the provision of small scale water treatment schemes from non-traditional water sources. Using the example of the AAD's Davis Station, this project featured an alternative approach to the establishment of a risk management framework for water recycling. This approach may be applicable to both drinking and recycled water schemes in other small and remote communities.

Variation of water resources in the Huang-huai-hai areas and adaptive strategies to climate change

Water resources play a principal role in supporting environment. Climate change will challenge the current water resources management practices and threaten water security through acceleration of the hydrological cycle. Historical variation of recorded runoff on main streams and influence of climate change on water resources in the Huang-huai-hai area (including the Yellow River, Hai River, and the Huai River) were analyzed with statistical methods and a hydrological simulation approach. Results indicate that the recorded runoff showed a significant decreasing trend during past 50 years for the Hai River and the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, with insignificant change occurring in the Huai River basin and the upstream of the Yellow River basin. Temperature was projected to steadily rise in the next 30–50 years while precipitation was expected to increase slightly. Water resources in 2021–2050 under the three scenarios of RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5 were estimated to change −1.3%, 1.0% and −2.3% relative to the reference period of 1961–1990, respectively. The water shortage for the Huang-huai-hai area might be aggravated due to climate change. It is therefore of significance to enhance water saving construction, make full use of non-traditional water sources, and speed up water conservancy project planning and implementation for adaptation to climate change.

Energy and greenhouse-gas emissions in irrigated agriculture of SE (southeast) Spain. Effects of alternative water supply scenarios

Global warming is leading to a water resources decrease in the Mediterranean basin, where future farming resilience depends on incorporating alternative water sources and improving water-energy use efficiency. This paper assesses water and energy consumption when natural water sources are partially replaced by desalinated sea water. Initially, energy consumption, water supply and GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions were recorded for the current farming practices in SE (southeast) Spain. The results of our study indicate that citrus orchards have the lowest energy consumption and GHG emissions. Annual vegetables were the least energy efficient crops. Subsequently, two alternative water supply scenarios were analysed, in which the reduction of natural water resources associated to climate change was compensated with desalinated sea water. The use of 16.8% of desalinated seawater would increase energy consumption by 32.4% and GHG emissions by 19.6%, whereas for the use of 26.5% of desalinated seawater such increases would amount to 50.0% and 30.3%, respectively. Therefore maintaining irrigated agriculture in water-stressed regions by incorporating high energy demanding non-traditional water sources could negatively contribute to combat global warming.

Mapping water availability, projected use and cost in the western United States

New demands for water can be satisfied through a variety of source options. In some basins surface and/or groundwater may be available through permitting with the state water management agency (termed unappropriated water), alternatively water might be purchased and transferred out of its current use to another (termed appropriated water), or non-traditional water sources can be captured and treated (e.g., wastewater). The relative availability and cost of each source are key factors in the development decision. Unfortunately, these measures are location dependent with no consistent or comparable set of data available for evaluating competing water sources. With the help of western water managers, water availability was mapped for over 1200 watersheds throughout the western US. Five water sources were individually examined, including unappropriated surface water, unappropriated groundwater, appropriated water, municipal wastewater and brackish groundwater. Also mapped was projected change in consumptive water use from 2010 to 2030. Associated costs to acquire, convey and treat the water, as necessary, for each of the five sources were estimated. These metrics were developed to support regional water planning and policy analysis with initial application to electric transmission planning in the western US.

Energy–Water Nexus Analysis of Enhanced Water Supply Scenarios: A Regional Comparison of Tampa Bay, Florida, and San Diego, California

Increased water demand and scarce freshwater resources have forced communities to seek nontraditional water sources. These challenges are exacerbated in coastal communities, where population growth rates and densities in the United States are the highest. To understand the current management dilemma between constrained surface and groundwater sources and potential new water sources, Tampa Bay, Florida (TB), and San Diego, California (SD), were studied through 2030 accounting for changes in population, water demand, and electricity grid mix. These locations were chosen on the basis of their similar populations, land areas, economies, and water consumption characters as well as their coastal locations and rising contradictions between water demand and supply. Three scenarios were evaluated for each study area: (1) maximization of traditional supplies; (2) maximization of seawater desalination; and (3) maximization of nonpotable water reclamation. Three types of impacts were assessed: embodied energy, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, and energy cost. SD was found to have higher embodied energy and energy cost but lower GHG emission than TB in most of its water infrastructure systems because of the differences between the electricity grid mixes and water resources of the two regions. Maximizing water reclamation was found to be better than increasing either traditional supplies or seawater desalination in both regions in terms of the three impact categories. The results further imply the importance of assessing the energy-water nexus when pursuing demand-side control targets or goals as well to ensure that the potentially most economical options are considered.

The Low-Carbon Construction and Operation Technologies of Water System in the Residential District of Mountainous City

In order to achieve the low-carbon construction and operation in the water system of mountainous residential district, the key link of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission of water system in mountainous residential district was studied and GHG emission was analyzed and quantified. According to the key link of GHG emission, trying to transform the traditional mode of long distance transportation of the drainage system and the terminal sewage biological treatment to reduce the GHG emission, therefore, several low-carbon technologies in the mountainous residential district were put forward, including: the low-carbon technology of controlling water supply pressure to limiting flow, the technology of low-carbon and ecological treatment of reclaimed water and carbon sequestration technology, the ecological technology of controlling and reducing the source of rain water in the steep slope residential district and the technology of recycling use of the non-traditional water source to reduce GHG emission from water system in mountainous residential district. By quantification the reduction of GHG emission, the results shows that, the low-carbon construction and operation technologies of water system in mountainous residential district, achieved more than 30% reduction of GHG emission from water system in mountainous residential district.

Study on Technology Status and Development Strategy of Green Building in Xi'an Area

Through analysis of the technology status of the green building in Xi'an area, targeted Raised the technology development strategy of green building to adapt to the characteristics of the region, such as improve local standards of green building technology system, strengthen the propaganda and training on green building knowledge, improve energy efficiency, use of renewable energy, good publicity and promotion of exemplary green building, full application of green building materials, use of non-traditional water sources and recycling water, etc., in order to provide a reference for the development of green buildings in Xi'an area.

Comprehensive Evaluation Method Study of University Town Ecological Physical Environment (UTEPE)

The premise that analyzing and studying the factors that effect university town ecological physical environment (UTEPE), UTEPE impact factors are the thermal environment, sound environment, light environment, eco-energy saving design. This paper establishes the evaluation method for UTEPE which is based on fuzzy math. We evaluate the quality of UTEPE comprehensively in this way. Renewable energy, nontraditional water source, green construction materials, water-saving appliances, energy-saving lamps, bicycle &amp; public traffic system are very important for creating good quality physical environment in university town. In this paper, according to the impact factors of the UTEPE and using the fuzzy mathematical theory on evaluating the UTEPE comprehensively can reflect the real situation more objectively and accurately. The construction of model is simple and practical. Comprehensive evaluation utilizes the combination of the general public survey and expert evaluation, which benefits to reflect the democratic spirit. It also provides the reference to improve the UTEPE.

Composite Geochemical Database for Coalbed Methane Produced Water Quality in the Rocky Mountain Region

Coalbed methane (CBM) or coalbed natural gas (CBNG) is an unconventional natural gas resource with large reserves in the United States (US) and worldwide. Production is limited by challenges in the management of large volumes of produced water. Due to salinity of CBM produced water, it is commonly reinjected into the subsurface for disposal. Utilization of this nontraditional water source is hindered by limited knowledge of water quality. A composite geochemical database was created with 3255 CBM wellhead entries, covering four basins in the Rocky Mountain region, and resulting in information on 64 parameters and constituents. Database water composition is dominated by sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride type waters with total dissolved solids concentrations of 150 to 39,260 mg/L. Constituents commonly exceeding standards for drinking, livestock, and irrigation water applications were total dissolved solids (TDS), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), temperature, iron, and fluoride. Chemical trends in the basins are linked to the type of coal deposits, the rank of the coal deposits, and the proximity of the well to fresh water recharge. These water composition trends based on basin geology, hydrogeology, and methane generation pathway are relevant to predicting water quality compositions for beneficial use applications in CBM-producing basins worldwide.

Cost-efficient management of coastal aquifers via recharge with treated wastewater and desalination of brackish groundwater: general framework

Semi-arid coastal zones often suffer water-stress, as water demand is high and markedly seasonal, due to agriculture and tourism. Driven by scarcity of surface water, the communities in semi-arid coastal regions turn to aquifers as prime water source; but intensive exploitation of coastal aquifers causes seawater intrusion, which degrades the quality of groundwater. The cost-efficient and sustainable development of coastal aquifers can be achieved through a holistic management scheme which combines two non-traditional water sources: (a) saltwater, to be treated to the desired quality, and (b) wastewater, to be re-claimed to augment aquifer recharge for control of seawater intrusion, and also to meet certain demands. This management scheme is based on the idea that it is cost-advantageous to: (i) desalt brackish groundwater, instead of seawater, as the former requires far less energy, and (ii) to re‐use wastewater at only the differential cost to any treatment already practiced. In this paper, we present the general framework of the proposed management scheme, and a decision aid tool (DAT) which has been developed to assist decision makers to explore the scheme's decision space. The DAT uses cost as optimization criterion to screen various management scenarios, via modelling of the dynamic natural-engineered system behaviour, and identifies those cost-efficient ones that meet the water demand and achieve aquifer protection. Citation Koussis, A. D., Georgopoulou, E., Kotronarou, A., Lalas, D. P., Restrepo, P., Destouni, G., Prieto, C., Rodriguez, J. J., Rodriguez-Mirasol, J., Cordero, T. & Gomez-Gotor, A. (2010) Cost-efficient management of coastal aquifers via recharge with treated wastewater and desalination of brackish groundwater: general framework. Hydrol. Sci. J. 55(7),1217–1233.