Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2012DC146B

A Performance-based Review of World-wide Water Reuse Facilities in Support of DC Water Reuse Policy

Institute: District of Columbia
Year Established: 2012 Start Date: 2012-03-01 End Date: 2013-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $7,934 Total Non-Federal Funds: $3,650

Principal Investigators: Iveracottis Short

Project Summary: The District of Columbia does not have a comprehensive water reuse policy. Declining water quality and quantity are especially exacerbated in urban areas such as the Metropolitan Washington, DC due to climate change. Concomitantly, there is also a global decline in water quality due to climate change. The University of the District of Columbia through it Sustainability Initiatives is installing five green roofs and a porous plaza deck which will significantly minimize its water footprints to the municipal storm water system. After completion of these low impact development projects it is estimated that over 80 of water collect in cisterns will be available for reuse. Complementing this system, the University is partnering to potentially design and implement an effective decentralized water reuse facility. Water Reuse Projects in Washington, DC require intense permitting with limited policies for regulators due to public health concerns. A reliable evaluative performance-based literature review to assist water researchers, municipal regulators and the UDC water reuse facility operators in establishing best practices is essential. The goal of this review research project is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the efficiencies and effectiveness of water reuse facilities and emerging technologies globally (Hungary, France, China and the United States). This review and analysis will collect pertinent data and create a reliable database of literature to support development of a comprehensive water reuse policy in the District and well as recommend best management practices.