Water Reuse: A Sustainable Frontier for the U.S. Water Future

Rising Demand vs. Dwindling Conventional Sources

Water scarcity in the United States is intensifying due to population growth, urbanization, and climate change. Traditional sources, surface and groundwater, are increasingly stressed. In response, the U.S. water recycling and reuse market has expanded rapidly, generating approximately USD 3.88 billion in 2023 and projected to nearly double to USD 7.30 billion by 2030, growing at around 9.6% CAGR.

Reclaimed Water vs. Reuse Water

In U.S. terminology:

• Reclaimed water refers to treated wastewater (whether from municipal or industrial sources) processed through various treatment mechanisms for beneficial purposes.

• Water reuse entails deploying this treated (reclaimed) water in applications such as irrigation, industrial processes, groundwater recharge, or even potable uses, depending on treatment levels.

Is Reclaimed Water Safe?

Yes, when treated to the appropriate standard. Water reuse in the U.S. includes a wide range of non-potable applications (landscape irrigation, fire protection, industrial cooling, toilet flushing, environmental restoration) and in some cases even potable reuse.

Notably, the Groundwater Replenishment System in Orange County, California, treats up to 130 million gallons per day through microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and UV disinfection, supplying 45% of the region’s water, demonstrating both safety and scalability. California has also approved regulations allowing direct potable reuse, following Colorado—reflecting growing confidence in water recycling technologies.

How Is Water Reclaimed?

Multi-barrier treatment trains, including filtration, membrane technologies such as reverse osmosis, UV disinfection, advanced oxidation, and activated carbon are used. There’s also ongoing development in advanced treatments like Carbon-Based Advanced Treatment (CBAT), which combines ozone, biologically activated carbon, and granulated activated carbon, sometimes avoiding RO altogether.

The Economic and Regulatory Landscape

Federal and state investments are fueling water reuse advancement. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), $550 million has been allocated to the Title XVI Water Reuse Grants Program, supporting projects in 17 Western states and Hawaii. Additionally, the EPA’s National Water Reuse Action Plan is boosting support with:

• A $110 million WIFIA loan for drought-prone Utah,

• $223 million for 18 recycling and desalination projects, and

• $8.9 billion allocated for Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds in FY 2025.

Trends & Curiosities

• As of 2002, the U.S. directly reused around 1.7 billion gallons per day, almost 3% of public water supplies, led by California (0.6 bn gpd) and Florida (0.5 bn gpd).

• San Diego’s “Pure Water” Program aims to supply over 40% of the city’s water via local recycled sources by 2035, targeting 83 million gallons per day production.

• In drought-stricken New Mexico, rural towns are exploring the treatment of oilfield-produced wastewater for agricultural and industrial reuse, a creative response to scarcity.

• Institutions like University Lands in Texas are supporting pilot projects to reuse produced water—highlighting industry innovation in water reuse.

Ecosign Technologies boasts a specialized water team delivering tailored solutions for wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and drinking water treatment facilities, with proprietary systems for organic effluent treatment (like the Multioxidative System) and exclusive chemical products designed to meet unique client needs. For detailed information or to request a customized consultation, visit www.ecosigntechnologies.com and reach out to their expert team.

References

• Grand View Research. (2023). The United States Water Recycle & Reuse Market Size & Outlook (2023–2030).

• Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Reclaimed water. In Wikipedia.

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Basic Information about Water Reuse.

• Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Water reuse in the U.S.

• The Guardian. (2025, June). ‘Tastes like water’: how a US facility is recycling sewage to drink.

• Associated Press. (2023). California OKs new rules for turning wastewater directly into drinking water.

• Wired. (2021). People Should Drink Way More Recycled Wastewater.

• Reuters. (2024, September). In arid New Mexico, rural towns eye treated oil wastewater as a solution to drought.

• Midland Reporter-Telegram. (2025). University Lands offers space to pilot water recycling.