What Are the Benefits of Recycling Water?

Recycling water focuses on using wastewater that has been treated, cleaned, and recycled as a source for irrigation, industrial processes, groundwater and for various other uses. Wastewater is normally recycled at treatment facilities and has many benefits that it can provide.

Water Security

• Recycled water is considered a valuable resource. It plays an important role in water security through conservation of potable (drinking-quality) water. When wastewater is treated to an acceptable level, it becomes an alternative to natural water supplies. It's suitable for a variety of mass uses, including irrigation of agricultural crops, grazing lands, gardens and landscaped areas. Mass amounts of recycled water can also be used for industrial processes, as well as residential non-potable (not for drinking) water supply needs.

Environmental Benefits

• Another contribution of recycled water is that it can conserve water for the environment. Using recycled water helps to maintain or replenish the water in underground basins. Recycled water also helps to sustain and enhance wetlands and other wildlife habitats---lessening people's intrusion into natural areas.

  If water is recycled, it lessens the chance that contaminated wastewater will end up in bodies of water, such as the ocean, rivers, or lakes--where it could potentially harm wildlife.

Economic Benefits

• Using recycled water is cost-effective compared with using fresh water in many cases. Farmers who use treated water for their irrigation needs, for example, will pay less to use recycled water. In drought seasons---where water use is drastically reduced---the cost benefits of using recycled water become extremely advantageous.

Water Recycling Growth

• Water recycling has found its place as a viable solution to increasing water-supply demands. Water recycling is continuing to grow and will inevitably play a more important role in water supply needs. Water recycling, combined with water conservation, helps to conserve valuable water resources and manage them in a more effective and sustainable manner.