Did you know that every single day, the United States generates an incredible 32 billion gallons of municipal wastewater? While only a tiny fraction of this, less than 10% is currently reused, the potential for transformation is immense.

Around the world, countries like Singapore have already embraced this opportunity, reusing nearly 40% of their wastewater with the “NEWater” initiative. This treated water is used for industrial applications, such as cooling in power plants, and a portion is blended with reservoir water to meet drinking water standards. The good news? The nations are steadily catching on, with innovative projects and technologies paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future. 

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As urban populations grow and climate change intensifies, the need to rethink water management has never been more urgent. But here’s the exciting part: water reuse isn’t just about addressing scarcity. It’s about unlocking innovation, building resilience, and creating a future where every drop of water contributes to a thriving planet. 

From Problem to Possibility

For decades, wastewater has been treated like an inconvenience, something to be cleaned up and discarded as quickly as possible. But what if we could see it differently? What if we could view it not as waste but as a resource? 

Municipal water reuse is built on this very idea. By treating wastewater and repurposing it for uses like irrigation, industrial processes, and even drinking water, in some cases, cities around the world are turning an overlooked byproduct into a cornerstone of sustainability.

In 2024, Los Angeles County recycled about 130 million gallons of wastewater daily, a key step toward water resilience. With growing drought concerns, the city plans to expand recycled water use to 59,000 acre-feet annually by 2035. However, the January 2025 Palisades Fire exposed vulnerabilities in water infrastructure, as firefighters faced low hydrant pressure and supply issues. Wildfires also raised concerns over drinking water contamination, leading to “Do Not Drink” advisories. These challenges highlight the urgent need for improved water reuse and storage solutions.

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Where can you capitalise?

In agricultural regions where freshwater supplies are stretched thin, treated wastewater is becoming an essential tool for irrigation. Farmers can safely use recycled water to grow crops without depleting rivers or aquifers, which supports food security while protecting natural resources.

Industries often require vast amounts of water for cooling systems, manufacturing processes, and cleaning operations that can be met with recycled water instead of potable supplies. This can further reduce costs and alleviate pressure on municipal drinking water systems.

Hence, recycled water can help cities stay green without tapping into drinking supplies, from watering public parks to maintaining golf courses and sports fields. A win-win for aesthetics and sustainability.

What will you gain?

One of the most immediate benefits of water reuse is its ability to reduce pollution in natural water bodies. Currently, 12 billion gallons of untreated or minimally treated wastewater are discharged into oceans and estuaries daily in the U.S. This contributes to nutrient overloads that cause harmful algal blooms and disrupt aquatic ecosystems.

A similar issue is evident in Guayaquil, Ecuador, where approximately 60-70% of collected wastewater goes untreated, leading to significant pollution of local waterways. This situation poses serious health risks and threatens the region’s aquatic ecosystems. However, Guayaquil is taking steps to address this crisis through a comprehensive wastewater treatment initiative supported by the World Bank, aiming to transition from minimal treatment to nearly 100% treatment by 2026.

By diverting wastewater for reuse instead, cities can protect rivers, lakes, and coastal areas while preserving biodiversity. Likewise, reused water can support environmental functions such as wetland restoration and recharging groundwater supplies. 

A notable example of successful agricultural water reuse can be seen in Andalusia, Spain. This region has implemented policies promoting the maximum use of treated wastewater for irrigation, particularly in olive groves, a crucial crop for local economies. Despite being a water-scarce area due to climate change impacts, Andalusia has made strides by integrating reclaimed water into agricultural practices. For instance, projects like Operational Group REUTIVAR have developed sustainable models using precision fertigation systems to irrigate olive groves with recycled water efficiently.

Moreover, recycled water often costs less than sourcing freshwater or desalinating seawater. Likewise, investments in water reuse infrastructure generate engineering, construction, and operations jobs, boosting local economies while addressing long-term resource challenges.

Today, water reuse fosters social equity by ensuring a reliable water supply that is less susceptible to fluctuations caused by climate variability. In Namibia’s capital city, Windhoek, recycled wastewater accounts for 35% of drinking water supplies for its 400,000 residents, a lifeline in one of the driest regions on Earth. 

Overcoming the “Yuck Factor”

Despite its advantages, many people hesitate to use treated wastewater due to the so-called “yuck factor.” This emotional response often overshadows scientific facts; modern treatment technologies ensure that reused water is safe, and usually cleaner than some natural freshwater sources. Overcoming public scepticism requires education and transparency.

Cities like Orange County have shown how it’s done through outreach programs that demystify the process and highlight success stories like their Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS), which provides drinking water to over 850,000 residents.

Therefore, strong regulations are another key to public acceptance. Clear guidelines on treatment standards and monitoring protocols reassure communities that reused water is safe for its intended purposes, such as watering crops or filling drinking glasses.

The role of IDRA

As we look to the future of water management, the International Desalination and Reuse Association is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the discourse around sustainable practices in water reuse. 

The upcoming IDRA 2025 Reykjavik Summit on Water and Climate Change is scheduled for October 12-14, 2025. This summit aims to explore global pathways for scaling water reuse from its current levels to much higher adoption rates, emphasising collective action and stewardship.

As urban environments grapple with increasing pressures from various fronts, embracing the potential of wastewater reuse offers relief and opens doors to new opportunities. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders and promoting innovative practices, IDRA is helping pave the way toward a more sustainable future for water management worldwide.

For more information on the  IDRA 2025 Reykjavik Summit on Water and Climate Change  visit waterandclimatechange.org