TAKING THE WATER OUT OF “WASTEWATER”: AN INELUCTABLE OXYMORON FOR URBAN WATER CYCLE SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

Used water is increasingly considered as a potential resource, rather than as a waste. Among process technology options that may allow efficient recovery of that energy, anaerobic digestion could be considered the most mature, already sporting countless applications worldwide. However, the present inefficient dilution-base collection systems paradigm produces rather dilute sewage, preventing to a large degree a more efficient application of this technology. A new collection system paradigm, based on liquid sources segregation and minimal organics dilution could result in significant energy savings for conveyance and treatment. Implications of this model are discussed.