Recycle and Reuse of Water

Recycle and Reuse of Water

Recycling and reusing water is a practical way to improve the availability of fresh water. The core idea is simple: instead of using high-quality fresh water for every purpose, we can match the quality of water to the task. Water that has been used once, but is not heavily polluted, can serve perfectly well for many non-drinking needs.

For industries, using reclaimed wastewater — water that has been treated after use — is an attractive option. It can be used for cooling machinery and for fire fighting. This directly reduces the cost of water for the industry, because they do not have to pay for fresh, treated water for these purposes.

In urban households, the same principle applies. Water that has been used for bathing or washing utensils can be collected and used for gardening. Similarly, the water used to wash a vehicle can also be diverted to the garden. By doing this, we conserve the better quality water — the water that is fit for drinking — for its most essential use.

Currently, the practice of recycling water is carried out only on a limited scale. This means that while some recycling happens, it is not widespread. However, the textbook points out that there is enormous scope for replenishing water through recycling. The potential to save and reuse water is far greater than what is currently being done. …