Urban Water Reuse Handbook

Rapid population growth, along with drought, water-intensive energy development, climate change conditions, and a number of other factors are all stressors on world water supplies. In many countries throughout the world, water reuse has proved to be an effective and safe means to help satisfy growing water demands and offset scarcity. This book provides the latest information on water reuse applications with a focus on urban areas. It examines numerous new and alternative methods for sustainable water supplies.

Examining the current literature, research, and relevant case studies, presented by a team of international experts, the Urban Water Reuse Handbook discusses the pros and cons of water reuse and explores new and alternative methods for obtaining a sustainable water supply. The book defines water reuse guidelines, describes the historical and current development of water reuse, and includes previously implemented methodologies and practices relevant to urban wastewater treatment. It considers the sustainability of water resources and supply systems in both urban and rural areas.

The book discusses the advantages of water reuse (reduced water consumption, cost-savings, a secure groundwater replenishment source, and a long-term water supply) and outlines the disadvantages (a build-up of chemical pollutants in the soil, the probable contamination of groundwater attributed to reclaimed water, and possible human health risks related to the presence of viruses and bacteria). It also proposes ethical and cultural considerations, discusses the economic and environmental performance of water systems relevant to water reuse, and outlines associated methods and strategies that can address problems of water scarcity.

In addition, this handbook addresses:

• Constructed wetlands in surrounding urban areas
• Water reuse in specific regions, coastal areas, cold regions, arid zones
• Application of wastewater for hydroelectric power generation
• Traditional systems of water reuse
• Combining harvesting systems and water reuse structures
• Warning systems for wastewater access control
• Public participation and implementation issues
• Groundwater recharge by unconventional water
• Urban water reuse policy

A resourceful guide dedicated to the reuse of urban wastewater, the Urban Water Reuse Handbook focuses on wastewater treatment, recycling, and reuse for the conservation of water resources. This book serves as a reference for water resource engineers, urban hydrologists, and planning professionals; for water/wastewater engineers, students, policy makers, and researchers.