Wastewater - Turning Problem to Solution

Glossary Biosolids – Sewage sludge, adequately treated, processed and applied as fertilizer to improve and maintain productive soils and stimulate plant growth (World Water Assessment Programme [WWAP] 2017). Blended finance – Blended finance is the strategic use of development finance for the mobilization of additional finance towards sustainable development in developing countries. Blended finance attracts commercial capital towards projects that contribute to sustainable development, while providing financial returns to investors (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development [OECD] n.d.). Circular economy – A circular economy offers an alternative economic model, whereby natural resources, including water sources, are kept at their highest value, for as long as possible. Circularity thinking provides a framework to develop comprehensive strategies for water management within a circular economy (United Nations Environment Programme 2019). De facto reuse – Where both treated and untreated wastewater can be used unintentionally where wastewater is incidentally present in a water supply (Jones et al. 2021). Direct potable reuse (DPR) – The injection of high-quality reclaimed water directly into the potable water supply distribution system, either upstream or downstream of the water treatment plant (i.e. without the use of an environmental buffer) (International Organization for Standardization [ISO] 2018). Domestic wastewater – Composed of black water, grey water and potentially other types of wastewater deriving from household activities in residential settlements (WWAP 2017). Emerging pollutants – Also referred to as contaminants of emerging concern, emerging pollutants are defined as “any synthetic or naturally-occurring chemical or any microorganism that is not commonly monitored or regulated in the environment with potentially known or suspected adverse ecological and health effects” (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization [UNESCO] 2015). Indirect potable reuse (IPR) – Augmentation of natural sources of drinking water (such as rivers, lakes, aquifers) with reclaimed water, followed by an environmental buffer that precedes drinking water treatment (ISO 2018). Industrial reuse – The reuse of industrial wastewater or the reuse of municipal wastewater to satisfy industrial water requirements (ISO 2018).

example energy production, mining, textiles, steel works, etc.) (WWAP 2017).

Municipal wastewater – Wastewater that comes from urban domestic and commercial sources, and any parts of industry or urban agriculture that are connected to the municipal sewers networks. Nature-based solutions – Actions to protect, conserve, restore, sustainably use and manage natural or modified terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems, which address social, economic and environmental challenges effectively and adaptively, while simultaneously providing human well-being, ecosystem services, resilience and biodiversity benefits (UNEP/EA.5/Res.5).

Non-potable reuse – Use of reclaimed water not meeting drinking water standards for non- potable purposes (ISO 2018).

Non-potable water – Water that has not been treated to drinking water standards, but that may be considered safe for other uses. Non-potable uses include toilet flushing, irrigation, industrial uses or other non-drinking water purposes. Implementing a non-potable water-use system would require separate water distribution and plumbing systems (Metropolitan Council n.d.).

Planned reuse – Where treated or untreated wastewater is intentionally used (Jones et al. 2021).

Potable reuse – Use of high-quality reclaimed water as a water source for drinking water treatment and supply (ISO 2018).

Potable water – Water that has been treated sufficiently to meet or exceed drinking water standards and is considered safe for human consumption. Potable water uses include drinking, bathing/showering, food preparation, dishwashing and clothes washing (Metropolitan Council n.d.). Preliminary treatment – Removal of wastewater constituents such as rags, sticks, floatables, grit and grease that may cause maintenance or operational problems during the treatment operations and processes (WWAP 2017). Primary treatment – Removal of a portion of the suspended solids and organic matter from the wastewater, which can or cannot include a chemical step or filtration (WWAP 2017). Reclaimed water/recycled water/water reuse – Wastewater that has been treated to meet a specific water quality standard (fit for purpose) corresponding to its intended use (ISO 2018). Secondary treatment – Removal of biodegradable organic matter (in solution or suspension), suspended solids, and nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus or both) (WWAP 2017).

Industrial wastewater – Water discharged after being used in or produced by industrial production processes (including, for

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