Water Reclamation in the broadest sense is used to mean the treatment of wastewater. 

Reuse and Recycling generally refer to using reclaimed water for non-potable purposes such as irrigation, toilet flushing and industrial water use. In some cases it is recycled to water reservoirs or aquifers to indirectly augment potable supplies (e.g. in Singapore, Namibia, California, Arizona, Virginia).

Isn’t water reclaimed at Sewage Treatment Plants?
Yes, in the broader sense, but only for safe discharge into the environment it is not generally reused or recycled.  Sewage Treatment Plants separate liquids from solids and after treatment, liquids are discharged into oceans, bays or rivers.

Why not reuse the water from Sewage Treatment Plants?
Water is reused from a number of treatment plants around the world, but it needs to be transported to where it can be used.  A separate distribution pipe works system is required, which needs to be built to deliver the water to its users.

How can water be reused?
Water can be reused for almost any purpose provided it is treated to the appropriate standard. For example, the standard for NEWater in Singapore is so high it is being preferentially used for silicon wafer production.  Typical reuse purposes include:

	Irrigation for agriculture, parks and gardens, playing fields and golf courses
	Industrial such as cooling water makeup
	Toilet flushing
	Car washing
	Clothes washing
	Supplementing water supplies

To date, reclaimed water from sewage treatment plants is most commonly reused for agricultural irrigation where there is no direct human contact with the reclaimed water. This has more to do with the cost of additional treatment and distribution for other purposes compared to traditional water supply collection and distribution system, a system that is already in place.

Why reuse water if it is more expensive?
The cost of water does not reflect its scarcity.  Public Utilities pricing generally reflects the cost of collection and distribution not the value.  Increased population and climate change mean there will simply not be enough water from traditional sources.  We will have to use less water, reuse and recycle more.

Where can water be reused?
Water is frequently reused for irrigation and agriculture in country areas, because the quality required for this is less stringent.  However, most of the wastewater is generated in large cities.  The major opportunities are for urban reuse including municipal, commercial and residential reuse. 

What is urban reuse?
Urban reuse is the reuse in urban areas for types of applications that are common in commercial, industrial and residential areas.  Residential and commercial reuses include clothes washing, toilet flushing, car washing and garden watering. Municipal reuses (with unrestricted access) include watering of parks and gardens, playing fields and golf courses.  Most sewage is generated in urban areas therefore urban reuse makes sense.