Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Potential Sources
If a need for additional sources of supply has been identified, all of the potential
alternative sources should be listed. New sources of supply can include the following:
New wells
•
Rehabilitation of existing wells
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Artificial groundwater recharge
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New surface water intakes
•
Adding capacity to existing intakes
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Treatment to improve firm yields of existing sources
•
More aggressive conservation measures (to reduce demands)
•
New interties
•
Water reuse
•
Water Rights
Any discussion of developing new sources should include a summary
of needed water rights. Utilities may often find it worthwhile to consider trading or
reassigning existing water rights to new or different sources of supply. Water rights
information should be included in the water rights assessment section (discussed be-
low).
Reuse
Reuse involves using nonpotable water or reclaimed treated wastewater in
place of other potable water sources. In some areas, opportunities for reuse can sig-
nificantly reduce the need for potable water. Sources of water for reuse can include
stormwater impoundments, wastewater / sewage treatment plant effluent, and industrial/
commercial process water. Under certain conditions, the potential uses of nonpotable
or reclaimed wastewater can include the following:
Irrigation of public areas, such as landscaping and athletic fields
•
Irrigation of public and private golf courses
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Aquifer recharge
•
Fire protection
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Industrial and commercial cooling and process water
•
Gravel washing and processing
•
Nonpotable uses such as toilet flushing, heating, and cooling in large buildings
and downtown developments
•
Street washing
•
Storm and sanitary sewer flushing
•
As water supplies become more critical, reuse is gaining more acceptance as a
viable source of new supply. Of course, the use of reclaimed and nonpotable waste-
water is subject to state and local requirements. Indirect potable water reuse—which
takes place when wastewater is treated to high standards before being discharged into
a water body that is also used as a raw-water source for drinking water—is being
more frequently considered to supplement natural flows into lakes and streams that
are used for water supply. Regulations are being developed and modified to fit regional
needs.
