At least three important economic centres — Singapore, Windhoek in Namibia and Orange County in California — would not have progressed to where they are today without reused drinking water (see ‘Three successes’). In fact, without these reuse projects, the strict water rations that were likely to result could have had severe impacts on socio-economic development. Moreover, reused water can benefit streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands and aquifers, in part because the excess water from such projects that is returned to natural systems is of better quality than standard treated wastewater.

The key to these strategies working is the continuous involvement of all stakeholders — from city mayors to national governments, from businesses and local health and medical boards to community and environmental groups, religious leaders and the media.

This article is authored by Cecilia Tortajada , a senior research fellow at the Institute of Water Policy, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, Singapore and Pierre van Rensburg, who works as a strategic executive for urban and transport planning at the Department of Urban and Transport Planning, City of Windhoek, Namibia

Drink more recycled wastewater