The way we manage water has evolved since we first installed drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems. A deeper understanding of our effect on the environment, limited resources for a growing population, and an uncertain climate future have given rise to the current “One Water” movement. We can't face the challenges that lie ahead unless we view all water as part of an interconnected system and strive for inclusive and equitable access to water services. Water reuse can be a valuable tool for communities to consider as they develop local One Water solutions to complex challenges.
Water reuse involves collecting previously discarded water sources and treating them to a quality that matches their intended use. Capacity for reuse is growing across scales, sources and end use applications. This website hosts the largest national collection of system-level information to date, first created as part of The Water Research Foundation Project #5040, Successful Implementation of Decentralized Reuse and Treatment Systems.
We hope to continue building the database over time with your help. (Last update: January 15, 2023)