Feasibility, sustainability and circular economy concepts in water reuse

This review examines the feasibility and sustainability in wastewater reuse. Prior research has shown the need of changes in water utilization patterns, including the establishment of water reuse, to shift towards an efficient and sustainable water use. Nevertheless, the characteristics of local water markets have often determined the feasibility of water reuse systems, and economics have resulted in the major barriers to an actual development of water reuse. A Holistic Approach that takes into account all the reuse factors (political, decisional, social, economic, technological and environmental factors) is needed for a sustainable water reuse implementation. New policies based on circular-economy concept may lead to a “paradigm shift” that starting from the principle of segregation at source could establish a more sustainable model in wastewater management with an enhanced resource recovery.