Water-Recycling Technologies in the UK

Urban water recycling in the form of rain, grey or black water is becoming an important element of demand-management practice in the UK, and appropriate technology allows the use of three different water sources for similar applications. The level of pollution in the water source and the application to which it is being recycled, dictate the level of technology which is used. This paper describes current water re-use practices in the UK (in terms of water source, technology scale, type and efficiency) and examines five case studies. Of more than 150 schemes identified, most are rainwater-collection systems and these are generally sited in rural areas. There are various single-house greywater recycling sites, many of which are part of water company or Environment Agency monitoring programmes. Larger-scale schemes employ both natural and hi-tech treatment options. Operationally successful schemes utilise appropriate technology for the end-use, although the economic benefits of many of the schemes are poor.