Water Recycling
Understanding water scarcity and water recycling
Public water supplies are under pressure from climate change, population growth and the need to protect the environment. In England, water companies need to find more than 5 billion extra litres of water a day by 2055 to maintain water supplies. New sources of water are needed – including water recycling, a tried-and-tested process that uses advanced treatment techniques to turn treated wastewater into recycled water. This recycled water can be used to top up rivers, lakes and reservoirs so more can be taken for further treatment to drinking water standards before being supplied to customers. Water recycling creates a drought-proof source of water that helps maintain supplies for customers while leaving more water in the environment, when nature needs it most.
Did you know?
Water recycling is widely used around the world – including in Australia, Singapore and the USA. The UK already has one water recycling plant, which is operated by Essex & Suffolk Water in Langford and opened in 2002.
National Framework on water resources:
The Environment Agency sets out the challenge of water scarcity and why water companies need to find almost 5 billion extra litres of water a day by 2055, in its National Framework on Water Resources.
Drinking Water Inspectorate and Environment Agency position statements on water recycling:
Water industry regulators recognise water recycling is an important part of future water supplies – here’s what the Drinking Water Inspectorate and the Environment Agency have to say.
Global map of water recycling projects:
Water recycling is a well-established method of water treatment that is used elsewhere around the world for more than 40 years including in Australia, Singapore and the USA.
A global map of water recycling projects in operation and development can be found here: Map - Water360.
Regulators' Alliance for Progressing Infrastructure Development (RAPID):
The water recycling projects are part of a much wider suite of new water resources projects being developed. They are being overseen by RAPID - a partnership between the three water regulators – Ofwat, the Environment Agency (EA) and the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). More information on this process can be found here: RAPID Gate Process.
