May 2017 Vol. 72 No. 5
Newsline
Water Reuse Becomes Long-Term Supply Strategy
Uncertainty about traditional water supplies is sparking investment among municipal water utilities in water reuse and desalination projects to mitigate risk, as highlighted by a new report from Bluefield Research.
“Utility customers are already facing higher water rates – up 25 percent since 2012 – and the prospect of stabilized water rates is unlikely without more efficient water supply management,” said Bluefield Research Director Erin Bonney Casey.
Water reuse – recycling treated wastewater for irrigation and potable needs – is the frontrunner among alternative supplies. Analysis shows traditional water supplies cost $3.90 per 1,000 gallons ($2.95/1000 gallons for transmission and $0.95/1000 gallons for water rights purchases). Reclaimed water supplies in the U.S. cost an average of $3.60 per 1,000 gallons.
So far, 17 states have reuse projects representing an investment of more than $18 billion. California and Florida continue to lead, but activities in other states signal more widespread adoption. The nationwide database of reuse projects has ballooned from only 135 projects several years ago, to 763 projects now.
“The fact that project development is happening in new states shows that water reuse is no longer just a drought mitigation strategy, but instead a viable option for utilities to boost water supplies,” said Casey.
Utilities also continue to evaluate seawater and brackish water desalination, and other supply options. Desalination costs have declined significantly over the last decade with the introduction of reverse osmosis technology and energy recovery devices. Costs of membrane solutions have declined by more than 60 percent, compared to thermal desalination. Permitting seawater desalination plants, however, proves to be a herculean challenge, pushing interest in brackish desalination.
“At the end of the day, repairing aging pipes to reduce leakage is still the most-cost-effective option, at $1.21 per 1,000 gallons, and one that is often over-looked as a source of water,” said Casey. “The bottom line is that water supply concerns aren’t going away.”
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