Direct potable reuse report published by WateReuse

The WateReuse Research Foundation (WRF) has published a report identifying information and research required to promote direct potable reuse (DPR) – the introduction of purified water into a water-supply distribution system or a raw-water supply immediately upstream of a water treatment plant.

Produced with WateReuse California, Direct Potable Reuse: A Path Forward focuses on implementing DPR in California. However, WRF says that the topics discussed (including issues regarding public acceptance, engineering, economics, and regulations) may be applicable to the broader water reuse community.

The 102-page report is divided into six chapters, which include:

  • Overview of water recycling in California and the rationale for DPR
  • Summary of prior workshops on DPR, including workshop findings and recommendations
  • Review of DPR projects, such as Windhoek (Namibia), the International Space Station and Orange County Water District (California)
  • Evaluation of DPR technical issues, including engineered storage buffers, measures to enhance reliability, monitoring and constituent detection, future DPR developments, and issues with implementing DPR
  • Identification of public acceptance issues, challenges, and implementation strategies
  • Identification of research needs in areas such as the sizing of engineered storage buffers and blending requirements.
  • Authors include:

  • George Tchobanoglous, PhD, PE, University of California, Davis
  • Harold Leverenz, PhD, PE, University of California, Davis
  • Margaret Nellor, PE, Nellor Environmental Associates
  • James Crook, PhD, PE, Environmental Engineering Consultant