From Cosmos (25/10/24)…
Recycling wastewater to drive water security
Water scarcity is becoming an urgent global crisis, affecting billions of people.
According to the UN World Water Development Report 2024, approximately 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water and half of the world’s population experiences severe water scarcity for at least some of the year.
Amid these alarming statistics, the recycling of wastewater is emerging as a vital solution.
Currently, more than 80 percent of the world’s total wastewater — and more than 95 percent of it in some developing countries — is released into the environment without being treated first. This has alarming consequences for public health and the environment.
In developing nations, only 8 percent of industrial wastewater undergoes any form of treatment.
If viewed as a resource rather than waste, recycled wastewater can ease pressure on freshwater supplies, support agricultural irrigation and sustain industrial processes.
India is among the most water-stressed countries in the world, in part due to pollution and its massive population.
Like many countries, India grapples with the challenge of cleaning up its rivers, notably the Ganges, which is considered holy by Hindus.
Reusing treated wastewater could substantially lower the volume of pollutants entering waterways, aiding in the restoration of these crucial ecosystems by allowing rivers to recuperate naturally and cleanse themselves.
However, despite its potential benefits, the implementation of wastewater reuse faces several challenges.
Technical hurdles include the need for advanced treatment technologies and significant infrastructure investments. Regulatory and policy frameworks also have to be established to ensure water quality standards and incentivise the adoption of alternative water sources.