Wastewater Reuse Options for Gloucester County, New Jersey

This paper details investigations of the feasibility of wastewater reuse in Gloucester County, New Jersey. Wastewater can be a valuable resource in cities or towns where population is growing and water supplies are limited. In addition to easing the strain on limited freshwater supplies, the reuse of wastewater can improve the quality of streams and lakes by reducing the effluent discharges and loading that they receive. Wastewater may be reclaimed and reused for crop and landscape irrigation, groundwater recharge, or recreational purposes. Reclamation for drinking is technically possible, but this reuse faces significant public resistance. Wastewater reuse can also reduce the demand on valuable and diminishing potable water supplies and possibly save money for the costly investment of new water sources and supplies.