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Water Recycling
Advantages & Disadvantages for
Recycling Water
Dennis Hartman
Recycled water is waste water that has undergone a partial process
of treatment and purification.
Rather than being returned to the water system where it will
evaporate and go through additional natural purification, however, recycled
water is diverted directly for use such as for irrigating crops.
This practice has distinct advantages as well as significant
drawbacks.
Cost
One of the biggest advantages of recycling water is its low cost
when compared to treating, processing and consuming "new" water.
Because municipalities can use it locally, there is also no need
to transport recycled water, putting less strain on infrastructure and public
utilities.
Conservation
Because recycled water is put directly back into use, the process
saves water that might otherwise be lost through runoff or contamination.
Recycling water also saves potable water for the general public
since industries such as agriculture and manufacturing can take advantage of
the low-cost recycled water to irrigate fields or supply factories with water
for manufacturing processes.
Irrigation
Recycled water has additional benefits for the agriculture
industry.
Because it has been through a less thorough treatment process than
drinking water, recycled water contains higher amounts of certain chemicals,
including nitrogen, that can help fertilize plants.
This makes recycled water better for watering crops than tap
water, which has chlorine or fluoride added that may be harmful to plants.
Health Risks
One of the key disadvantages of recycled water is the potential
health risk posed by the bacteria it may contain.
Recycled water may contain E. coli or other harmful bacteria,
which are transported to wherever the water is finally used.
In the case of irrigating fields, this raises the likelihood of an
outbreak of food-borne illness.
Public Perception
There is a generally negative public perception that surrounds the
use of recycled water.
Despite the fact that this water is treated and mostly safe, its
status as non-potable can create the incorrect perception that all recycled
water is contaminated or dangerous.
For this reason, citizens may be reluctant to approve a civic
project dealing with recycled water, despite the possible benefits.
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