Guidance on Links Between Water Reclamation and Reuse and Regional Growth

Water reclamation and reuse expand in tandem with regional growth, yet the specific links between the two processes are not well understood Urban growth is a global phenomenon resulting from a complex mix of expanding populations, demographic shifts, economic development, and political processes that increasingly respond to urban electoral constituents. In this context, water reuse presents major opportunities for water savings and environmental conservation more generally, as well as reduced cost compared to alternative sources. At the same time, expanding reuse must confront decision-making obstacles most commonly related to public perception and technology and infrastructure investment needs. The project determines the challenges to sustainable water reuse and characterize public attitudes toward reclaimed water use in rapidly growing cities and towns practicing reuse and/or considering expanding reclaimed water use with emphasis on Arizona.

Originally funded as WERF project Reuse-06-16.