Quality Aspects of Waste Water Reclamation

The concept of a water resource is usually considered as a naturally occurring body of water with a quality commensurate with local beneficial uses. Water resource development has been restricted to the installation of appurtenances and water treatment facilities for a source of suitable water supply. Once used, such waters have been regarded as wastes to be disposed of safely and inconspicuously. The demand for water is increasing rapidly. Some existing water supplies are being overdrawn. To meet the growing demand, past practices of waste water disposal must be reappraised. Greater attention is now being given to reclamation, or re-use of waste water as an assist in balancing supply and demand. Essential differences between the internal and external phases of waste water re-used is explained. The external phase term is used to denote those factors primarily concerned with the effects of reclamation projects on the water resources of an area. The water aspects of waste water reclamation are considered.