Recycled Water Treatment and Reuse

Secondary effluent obtained during wastewater treatment is subjected to additional treatment prior to its reuse as "reclaimed water." This chapter gives an overview of the treatment technologies used to produce reclaimed water followed by descriptions of reclaimed water applications in the U.S. Such applications include environmental, urban, agricultural and industrial reuse. In addition, reclaimed water can be utilized for potable reuse following recharge, or even direct potable reuse following advanced treatment. Recycled water regulations and water quality standards are also reviewed, and finally microbial water quality aspects of recycled water are discussed, including changes in water quality within distribution system pipes, as a function of residence time.