Innovative Ways in Which Recycled Water is Used the World Over

Generally, we use the term recycling to paper, plastic, aluminum, glass, etc. But, did you know that water can be recycled as well? Be it in commercial, residential or industrial usage, water recycling practices are on the rise. Reclaimed water, also known as recycled water is wastewater that has been effectively treated for reuse. Here, in this guide, from Sintech, leading centrifugal wastewater pump manufacturers in India, we share with you the different usages for recycled water.

What is Water Recycling?

Water recycling is the process of reusing wastewater. It is also known as water reuse or water reclamation. Wastewater discharged from industrial and residential zones is filtered and treated for different applications like toilet flushing, irrigational needs for agriculture, industrial processes, and even for replenishing groundwater supply. Water recycling helps in saving water – which is a finite natural resource. Besides resource savings, wastewater reclamation can also offer significant financial savings. The process of recycling water depends on the final usage of recycled water. For instance, recycling water for agriculture is simpler than recycling water for drinking needs. Generally, in industries, water is recycled and reused onsite. For instance, a paper processing industry can recycle wastewater effluents that can be used for cooling various machinery on the plant. Another typical example of recycled water is greywater. It is recycled water that is reclaimed from residential, industrial and commercial bathroom drains, sinks, and clothes washing. Generally, greywater is used for flushing toilets and for landscape irrigation. If recycled water is used for agricultural needs, it has to be ensured that it is low in sodium and is non-toxic. While recycling water via man-made systems is gaining popularity in recent years, nature has been recycling water via the natural water cycle for millions of years. Water recycling can be broadly classified into two types:

• Unplanned water recycling – It refers to the natural way of water recycling. For example, let outs from drains reach the groundwater table, after undergoing filtration naturally through various layers of sand and gravel.
• Planned water recycling – It refers to projects that make use of technology to speed up water recycling. Planned projects are generally developed to maximize available water supplies.

Let’s take a look at some of the leading uses of reclaimed water:

1. Agriculture and Irrigation

Reclaimed water is primarily used for irrigation, especially in states that are prone to droughts and seasonal rainfall. Besides irrigational needs, recycled water is also used for watering plants and gardens in public parks, sporting grounds, golf courses, and for landscaping in residences and commercial buildings.

2. Aquifer Recharge

Another common usage of recycled water is for recharging aquifers, to replenish groundwater table levels. Also, with further filtering, the recharged water in aquifers is eventually converted into freshwater.

3. Industrial Mixing Water

Recycled water is used for industrial needs like water for concrete mixing, and for other various industrial requirements. Recycled water offers an excellent sustainable long-term solution to help meet industrial water requirements.

4. As Drinking Water

When recycled water is subjected to several levels of filtration like reverse osmosis, it can be converted into pure drinking water. To give an example, Australia has recently stated that the city of Perth will source 20% of its drinking water supply from recycled sources.

5. Cooling Water

Most industrial machinery becomes hot when in usage. Hence, they require a cooling agent to reduce the heat generated and keep critical components safe. Recycled water is used as an inexpensive source of cooling water in oil refineries, power plants, and petrochemical industries. It travels through the cooling system absorbing heat generated from the machinery, thereby preventing damage to the motor and other parts.

Recycling Water is the Way Forward

For the last few years, we have seen a dramatic rise in the efficiency of water reclamation. As a result, a large number of industries today use reclaimed water for their various requirements. At Sintech, we are helping industries enhance their water recycling systems with our range of high-quality wastewater pumps. To know more about our wastewater pumps and their benefits, get in touch with our team today. As the leading centrifugal and end suction pump manufacturers and suppliers in India, we provide our clients with the best wastewater pumps customized to their specific requirements. Contact our sales team to know more.