By Mark Strauss, President,
American Water Enterprises

Recently, the USEPA estimated the 20-year needs for water infrastructure investment at $277 billion for drinking water systems and $388 billion for wastewater systems. Challenges faced by the water industry include everything from higher water demand and inadequate water resource supplies, to aging infrastructure and climate change. In order to illustrate the critical need for better water management, an appreciation of the challenges is required.

While the specific supply issues vary from state to state, one thing is certain: water on tap is not a given, but rather the result of careful planning and conservation.

The goal of meeting demand is certainly attainable and is a daily preoccupation of the water industry. Focusing on delivering viable services to various communities, the industry has developed a set of innovative solutions to supply water to growing populations in arid regions.

Water Reuse
Water reuse is one solution. Increasing the amount of reclaimed water for agriculture and commercial consumers will significantly ease the strain on rivers, lakes, and aquifers that provide us with clean and safe drinking water.

Until the safety and value of reclaimed wastewater is understood, people will balk at the idea of using it. However, the idea is not a novel one. All of our water (including drinking) was at one point used for, or emitted by, something else and is part of a general cycle of rain, ground filtering, and evaporation.

Copyright © 1996-2007, VertMarkets, Inc. All rights reserved.  To subscribe or visit go to:  http://www.wateronline.com