Reclaimed Water – An Urban Water Resource

The population in urban areas is growing rapidly; from 30% in 1950 to about 50% at the turn of the century. In 35 years time, the number of large cities (greater than one million) will double and the population living in them will triple. Most large cities are already facing water supply problems and these will increase in the future. Water reclamation for nonpotable reuse for urban irrigation, industry, toilet-flushing, cooling, construction etc. can reduce the demand on limited fresh water resources. Many urban areas around the world have already used this approach to meeting problems of increased water demand.