Recycling Water for a Sustainable Future
Unconventional Water: A New Approach to Water Recycling
Discover how innovative recycling methods can transform run-off, industrial wastewater, and municipal wastewater into valuable resources for agriculture, industry, and groundwater replenishment.
What is "unconventional water?"
The term “Unconventional Water” can include a wide variety of different water sources that are not from “freshwater” — the water taken directly from acquifers, lakes and streams. For our purposes here at the Southwest Water Advocates Network (SWAN) we generally use the term to include previously-used municipal, agricultural, and industrial water from factories and manufacturing plants.
Recycling this unconventional water is growing increasingly crucial for sustaining our environment and communities. By treating and reusing water, we can reduce the strain on natural water sources, lower pollution levels, and ensure a reliable supply of water for future generations. This practice not only conserves water but also supports agricultural productivity, industrial processes, and the replenishment of groundwater supplies. At Southwest Water Advocates, we are dedicated to promoting these practices and educating the public on the importance of water conservation.
Types of Recyclable Water
Explore the different sources of water that can be recycled to support various needs.
Run-Off Water
Industrial Wastewater
Municipal Wastewater
Understanding the Water Recycling Process
Step 1: Collection and Screening
Step 2: Primary Treatment
Step 3: Secondary Treatment
Learn more about Unconventional Water Resources
United Nations (aka UN-Water) Analytical Brief on Unconventional Water Resources