Wastewater Treatment, Reused and Recycling - A Potential Source of Water Supply

Wastewater generation is increasing at an alarming rate, threatening the survival of ecosystems and human beings. Since the first international and intergovernmental discussion of water crisis in 1977, wastewater management is constantly on a high priority of governmental and non-governmental agendas for meetings. Wastewater generation in conjunction with the rapid population growth, urbanization and climate change has escalated the water stress level worldwide. Research studies indicate that the reclamation of wastewater is a potential solution to tackle water scarcity problem. If wastewater is treated appropriately, it can be a reliable source of water supply to reduce freshwater consumption. The paper examines problems of wastewater production and its discharge, followed by the discussion of international collaboration to address global wastewater problems and water scarcity. The paper reviews various technologies utilized to treat wastewater and the reclamation of wastewater as a potential source of future water supply. The paper ends with a discussion of wastewater management systems on a large scale to reduce water footprint and case studies to demonstrate the concepts covered.