Urban Water Scarcity: The Potential of Greywater Reuse
Xiaojing (Angela) Jiang, MLWS 2024
This paper examines greywater reuse as a sustainable solution to urban water scarcity, offering insights for policymakers, urban planners, and environmental scientists. With increasing urbanization and climate change straining water resources, greywater reuse—recycling relatively clean wastewater from sources like baths and sinks—can reduce freshwater demand and enhance water security. The study explores causes of urban water scarcity, such as population growth and inadequate infrastructure, and highlights the benefits of greywater reuse, including lower water bills and improved resilience to drought. Case studies from Jordan, Sweden, and the U.S. illustrate various approaches to implementation. The paper also addresses challenges like high costs and the need for public awareness and safety regulations, ultimately recommending further research and policy development to maximize greywater reuse benefits.
