Recycling Treated Municipal Wastewater for Industrial Water Use

Section 1
Introduction
Urban
Reclaimed water is used for a variety of purposes in the urban setting. One common
use, that is one of the few applications in Minnesota, is for golf course irrigation.
Other typical irrigation reuse applications include: public lands such as parks, athletic
fields, highway medians and shoulders, landscaped areas for commercial properties,
and landscaping for residential areas. Other examples of “urban” reuse applications
include vehicle washing facilities, laundry facilities, fire protection, toilet and urinal
flushing in commercial buildings, decorative water features such as fountains and
reflecting pools, street sweeping, and dust control and soil compaction for
construction projects.
Agricultural
In many states, agricultural irrigation is a significant percent of the total demand for
freshwater and is estimated to represent 40% of the total water demand nationwide
[Soley et al, 1998]. Reclaimed water has been used to irrigate a variety of agricultural
applications including: pasture; orchards and vineyards; harvested feed, fiber and
seed; food crops; processed food crops; and nursery and sod. Florida uses 19% of its
reclaimed water supply for agricultural irrigation [Florida Department of
Environmental Protection, 2002] and California uses approximately 48% [California
State Water Resources Control Board, 2002].
Environmental and Recreational
Reclaimed water has been used for environmental improvements and recreational
uses. Environmental reuse includes wetland enhancement and restoration, creation of
wetlands for wildlife habitat, and stream augmentation. Wetland reuse projects often
include dual goals: to enhance downstream surface water quality and create
additional wildlife habitat. Recreational applications for reclaimed water include
water impoundments restricted to boating and fishing or for full body contact
activities such as swimming, smaller landscape impoundments, and golf course
ponds. Lubbock, Texas uses 4 mgd of reclaimed water for recreational lakes (fishing
and boating) in the Yellowhouse Canyon Lakes Park (Water Pollution Control
Federation, 1989].
Ground Water Recharge
Ground water recharge using reclaimed water has been used to reduce saltwater
intrusion in coastal aquifers, augment potable or nonpotable aquifers, provide storage
and/or further treatment of reclaimed water for later use, and prevent ground
subsidence. In areas with extensive agricultural irrigation, ground water recharge
practices rely on the aquifers for storage, removing the need for storage facilities to
meet seasonal demands.
Augmentation of Potable Supplies
Potable water supplies can be supplemented with treated wastewater by surface
water augmentation, ground water recharge, and direct potable reuse. The first two
1-6 Craddock Consulting Engineers
In Association with CDM & James Crook
TM1-Sec1_0707.doc