Future cities to harness power and resources from wastewater
Innovative technologies are transforming wastewater into drinking water, compost, and energy, revolutionizing urban resource management.
In short:
- Companies like Epic Cleantec are developing systems to recycle gray water for non-potable uses and extract energy from wastewater.
- Advanced purification techniques are enabling cities like San Diego to convert wastewater into drinking water.
- Wastewater recycling is becoming essential for urban sustainability, especially in rapidly growing cities facing water stress due to climate change.
Key quote:
"We’re turning wastewater—which in my opinion, is a term that is in dire need of a rebrand—into clean water, into renewable energy, and into soil."
— Aaron Tartakovsky, cofounder and CEO of Epic Cleantec
Why this matters:
The shift toward recycling wastewater is a crucial step in addressing the increasing water demands of urban populations and the challenges posed by climate change. These innovative solutions not only conserve water but also create new resources, demonstrating a sustainable approach to city planning and environmental management.
Read: Expert ecologist William H. Schlesinger on what happens to all the modern, exotic compounds when we flush them into the environment.
