Author(s)

M. S. Espino, C. J. Navarro & E. F. Herrera

Abstract

Wastewater reclamation and reuse is an economically promising alternative to mitigate the effects of water scarcity and it plays a significant role to achieve a sustainable development, especially in arid regions. Benefits of wastewater reclamation and reuse are: protection of water resources, recovery of nutrients, groundwater recharge and sustainability of water resource management. Chihuahua relies entirely on groundwater as its potable water source. Due to an overdraft of aquifers, new sources to support future demands of drinking water are needed. One strategy implemented is wastewater reclamation and reuse upon activities where drinking quality is not required. The city has two treatment facilities which use activated sludge as the principal process; a part of the disinfected effluent is delivered through a non potable distribution system to public gardens, boulevards, educative institutions, sports and recreational centers, golf fields and manufacturing industries. The quality of restored water is monitored at the exit of plants, but there is no information in pumping stations, storage tanks and the sites where people are. Otherwise, samples are analyzed for Faecal Coliform bacteria, but nothing is done about protozoan pathogens which can cause numerous waterborne outbreaks. This preliminary study will contribute to evaluating, in a global form, the reuse practice done in Chihuahua, with the objective of releasing specific guidelines and strategies conducted to use best management practices in the planning, design, construction, operation and management of reclaimed and reuse system, to benefit the environment through an economic and ecologically sustainable scheme. strategies, guidelines.

Keywords

groundwater, wastewater reclamation, reuse, sustainability, strategies, guidelines