Advantages of Water Recycling

Recycling water is an advantageous way to provide a drinking water supply. Freshwater is dwindling around the world and many water supplies are contaminated by pollution. Reverse osmosis purifies water and makes it safe for drinking. This provides several economic and environmental benefits, such as reduction in pollution, stimulation of plant and wildlife ecosystems and a reduced dependency on outside water sources.

Conservation of Freshwater and Saltwater Habitats

• Water recycling helps to preserve natural freshwater and saltwater habitats.

  When drinking water is taken from sensitive ecosystems, plant and wildlife survival can be harmed. A constant supply of water is necessary for the health of these ecosystems, like lakes and saltwater marshes that are home to many different species of plants and animals. When recycled water is used for drinking, a steady flow of water remains available to wetlands, streams and lake systems. Also, many wildlife ecosystems are being threatened because of increased erosion as a result of irrigation for drinking water supplies; recycling can help reverse this damage.

Reduction and Prevention of Pollution

• Recycled water introduced to freshwater habitats can be less harmful to the environment than potable water.

  Recycled water can contain more nutrients than potable water and can be beneficial when used as a supply for wetland habitats. This can conserve natural habitat while limiting the amount of pollutants that are introduced into water ecosystems. Pollutants like oil and waste are decreasing water supplies around the world. Reverse osmosis can make this contaminated water reusable.

Reduced Dependency on Imported Water

• Recycled water reduces the need for expensive bottled water.

  If communities increase water recycling, they can keep drinking water consumption local, decreasing the demand for imported water. Supply of imported water can be unstable and uncertain, whereas water recycled locally can exist in steady supply.

Drought-Proof Drinking Water Supplies

• Areas that are prone to drought can benefit from the stability of recycled water.

  Water that is contaminated and can be recycled is always available for reuse, but other water supplies can be unreliable, especially in areas that are prone to drought. Communities that use recycled water can avoid panic and economic struggle.

Economic Benefits

• Recycling water will pump much-needed money back into local economies.

  Water recycling can be very economically beneficial to local communities. By recycling water, money that was once used for water supply can go into other community expenses. Although it can be expensive in the beginning, water recycling will provide jobs and stimulate economic growth. Also, families can save money by using recycled water rather than bottled and imported water.