Water Reuse

Establishing a Robust Case for Final Effluent Reuse Phase 2: Testing the UK Regulatory Framework

Reference: 15/WR/29/4
ISBN: 184057 768 1
Published Date: 04/06/2015

The option to augment water supplies by intentionally reusing final treated effluent has moved into mainstream thinking within the UK, evidenced by inclusion within 2014 Water Resource Management Plans, and influenced by reuse activity around the world and European activity promoting uptake of reuse across the member states. The challenge now is to examine the barriers and opportunities to make reuse a more attractive option.

It is essential to understand how reuse schemes could be regulated. Phase 1 examined the case for reuse in the UK by identifying the associated risks and various approaches that have been taken around the world to regulate reuse schemes. This study has focused on identifying the key receptors that could be vulnerable to gaps or other weaknesses in the regulatory framework and the types of risk that could arise.

Establishing a Robust Case for Final Effluent Reuse - An Evidence Base

Reference: 14/WR/29/3
ISBN: 1 84057 725 8
Published Date: 27/05/2014

Treated effluent is widely re-used as a resource for agricultural irrigation, urban non-potable use, industrial use and drinking water supplies around the world. Water stress and environmental regulations in the UK are driving UK water companies to consider reuse as a strategic supply option and so require evidence on the array of risks and opportunities this brings.
This study examines evidence from over 200 relevant case studies of both successful and abandoned treated effluent reuse projects. Real (and perceived) risks associated with different reuse scenarios are identified considering their applicability in the UK. Risk to human health is a primary concern, closely followed by the risks to the environment from changes in water flow and composition.
This report sets out existing frameworks for managing and mitigating risk, governance issues, and the factors that influence the energy and carbon demands of reuse systems as well as the cost implications.

APPENDIX A: Database of Selected International Final Effluent Reuse Schemes

Reference: 14/WR/29/3
ISBN: 1 84057 725 8
Published Date: 27/05/2014

Treated effluent is widely re-used as a resource for agricultural irrigation, urban non-potable use, industrial use and drinking water supplies around the world. Water stress and environmental regulations in the UK are driving UK water companies to consider reuse as a strategic supply option and so require evidence on the array of risks and opportunities this brings.
This study examines evidence from over 200 relevant case studies of both successful and abandoned treated effluent reuse projects. Real (and perceived) risks associated with different reuse scenarios are identified considering their applicability in the UK. Risk to human health is a primary concern, closely followed by the risks to the environment from changes in water flow and composition.
This report sets out existing frameworks for managing and mitigating risk, governance issues, and the factors that influence the energy and carbon demands of reuse systems as well as the cost implications.