Purified: How Recycled Sewage Is Transforming Our Water

The Colorado River watershed experienced a "megadrought" in 2000, leading to record low levels in its two largest reservoirs and threatening the water supply for forty million people. Recycled water could help close the gap, but concerns about communities being used as "guinea pigs," sensationalist media coverage, and terminology have hindered water recycling efforts. Purified: How Recycled Sewage Is Transforming Our Water, by veteran journalist Peter Annin, explores the water reuse movement in five water-strapped states and examines how one of the nation's largest wastewater plants hopes to recycle one hundred percent of its wastewater by 2035. The book makes the case that recycled water is direly needed in the climate-change era, as water cannot be taken for granted anymore, including sewage.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2023
Publisher: Island Press

In 2000, a significant climate-driven "megadrought" impacted the Colorado River watershed, leading to record-low water levels in the region's two largest reservoirs by the early 2020s. This posed a significant threat to the water supply for approximately forty million people. Even in states with abundant rainfall, such as Florida, water stocks were experiencing stress. Across the United States, traditional methods of sustaining drinking water are failing. Recycled water has emerged as a potential solution to address this gap.

In his book, Purified: How Recycled Sewage Is Transforming Our Water, veteran journalist Peter Annin explores the role of wastewater in combating water scarcity in the United States. Annin delves into the water reuse movement in five states that are facing water scarcity challenges: California, Texas, Virginia, Nevada, and Florida. He experiences the process of drinking beer made from purified sewage, visits communities that have benefited from purified sewage, and examines the plans of one of the nation's largest wastewater plants to recycle one hundred percent of its wastewater by 2035. Throughout his journey, readers gain firsthand insights into the struggles and perspectives of those for and against recycled water.

While current filtration technology enables the transformation of sewage into a form similar to distilled water, which is free from chemicals and safe for consumption, the challenges associated with water recycling lie not in technology but in terminology. Concerns about communities being used as "guinea pigs," sensationalist media coverage, and catchy slogans like "toilet to tap" have repeatedly hindered water recycling efforts. However, potable water recycling has become the most promising frontier in the search for expanded water supply options. The question remains whether public opinion can shift in time to mitigate the worst consequences.

Purified's engaging narrative cuts through the fearmongering and misinformation, providing a clear and comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits and challenges of recycled water. It serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, environmentalists, and individuals interested in sustainable water management. By raising awareness and promoting informed discussions, we can work towards a more sustainable and resilient water future.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781642832815