Technology scanning for water reuse in small water systems: needs, application, and decision support

ABSTRACT 3 panels connected by arrows under the words WATER-MAP. Left panel shows barriers to reuse. Central panel shows selection criteria and technologies. Third panel show reuse applications in small communities. Water reuse has been successful in many major cities, but small communities remain systemically disadvantaged in the implementation of water reuse due to limited resources and support. Limited access to relevant data on treatment technologies is one key impediment to the adoption of water reuse in small water systems. We developed an open-access technology scan to compile and communicate essential attributes of technologies appropriate for water reuse in small water systems. We determined the necessary content of such a technology scan, identified demand sectors, and investigated its feasibility through development of a proof-of-concept tool. We conducted interviews to understand the evaluation process for water treatment technologies in small systems. We then developed a framework to assess reuse technologies by costs, labor requirements, and the achievement of regulatory compliance: all primary considerations in small systems. The resulting Water Augmentation Technology Evaluation & Reuse Management Platform (WATER-MAP) organizes technologies based on critical evaluation factors, technical readiness, and existing implementations. WATER-MAP drew data from manufacturers, EPA and water association tools, literature, and utilities to identify treatment technologies relevant for small systems. We demonstrate the feasibility of an open-source technology scan that provides essential information for evaluating water reuse technologies in small communities.