California's Orange County Water District (OCWD), has a plant that recycles used water and returns it to the drinking supply. <br />It is expanding production to 100 million gallons per day, enough for 850,000 people.
Water recycling —
California's Orange County Water District (OCWD), has a plant that recycles used water and returns it to the drinking supply.
It is expanding production to 100 million gallons per day, enough for 850,000 people.
courtesy Jim Kutzle, OCWD
At the Groundwater Replenishment System plant treated wastewater goes through a three-step treatment process using microfiltration, reverse osmosis and UV light. Pictured, reverse osmosis membrane arrays.
Water recycling —
At the Groundwater Replenishment System plant treated wastewater goes through a three-step treatment process using microfiltration, reverse osmosis and UV light. Pictured, reverse osmosis membrane arrays.
courtesy National Water Research Institute
California's current drought is raising awareness of the value of water re-use projects, says OCWD General Manager Mike Markus.
California drought —
California's current drought is raising awareness of the value of water re-use projects, says OCWD General Manager Mike Markus.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Singapore has four water reclamation plants, although only a small proportion of the reclaimed water makes it into drinking reservoirs.
NEWater —
Singapore has four water reclamation plants, although only a small proportion of the reclaimed water makes it into drinking reservoirs.
ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP/Getty Images
Bottled and branded recycled water, called "NEWater," is distributed to the public on some public holidays, to showcase the water quality.
NEWater —
Bottled and branded recycled water, called "NEWater," is distributed to the public on some public holidays, to showcase the water quality.
courtesy newater
NEWater meets up to 30% of Singapore's water needs. There are plans to triple the current capacity by 2060.
NEWater —
NEWater meets up to 30% of Singapore's water needs. There are plans to triple the current capacity by 2060.
courtesy newater
The recycled water is primarily used in industry. Supplied to electronics and power-generation industries, it is also piped to commercial buildings for air conditioning.
NEWater —
The recycled water is primarily used in industry. Supplied to electronics and power-generation industries, it is also piped to commercial buildings for air conditioning.
ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP/Getty Images