Water reuse can help resorts, hotels, commercial complexes, and residential developments reduce costs and improve sustainability
July is the peak of summer in the northern hemisphere and one of the hottest months of the year in the United States. It is also typically the month with the highest water demand.
A significant portion of summer water use is dedicated to landscape irrigation due to increased evapotranspiration during hot spells. In celebration of Smart Irrigation Month this July, we highlight how using reclaimed water for irrigation not only eases the burden on freshwater sources but also cuts costs and enhances sustainability for resorts, hotels, commercial buildings, and residential developments.
Benefits of Reclaimed Water for Irrigation
Environmental Sustainability
Reclaimed water — recycled or treated wastewater that meets public health and safety standards for nonpotable use — reduces the demand on freshwater sources such as rivers, lakes, and aquifers, preserving these natural resources for other uses, including drinking water. This also helps maintain ecological balance in aquatic systems by reducing water extraction and minimizing pollution from wastewater discharge.
Economic Savings
Reclaimed water is less expensive to produce than freshwater. Reusing water locally for irrigation reduces the energy required for transporting and pumping water from distant sources, along with associated costs. Additionally, reclaimed water often contains nutrients beneficial for plants, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which can reduce the need for expensive chemical fertilizers.
Building Resilience to Water Scarcity
Reclaimed water provides a reliable and consistent water supply, a lifeline for regions facing water scarcity or variability in rainfall. Additionally, the organic matter and nutrients in reclaimed water can improve soil structure and fertility, enhancing growth and promoting plant health. Using reclaimed water can help sustain residential landscaping, urban green spaces, public parks, and recreational facilities during drought conditions. This not only enhances aesthetics but also promotes community well-being and improves overall quality of life.
Ideal Applications for Reclaimed Water
Reclaimed water is a valuable resource. By using reclaimed water for irrigation, these sectors can significantly contribute to environmental stewardship and resource efficiency. Some applications include:
- Resorts and Hotels: Reclaimed water can maintain lush grounds and water features such as fountains, ponds, and artificial lakes. It can also irrigate sports fields, golf courses, and other recreational facilities, enhancing guest satisfaction and reducing reliance on potable water. This supports eco-friendly practices and improves a resort’s sustainability image.
- Commercial Buildings: Reclaimed water can be used to irrigate decorative plants, trees, and grass around office complexes and industrial parks, and to sustain green roofs and vertical gardens. It can also supplement cooling tower water, reducing the need for potable water. Using reclaimed water not only results in improved operational efficiency from lower water costs, but it can also help companies meet their corporate sustainability and environmental responsibility targets and improve public image since it demonstrates a commitment to resource conservation.
- Residential Developments: Reclaimed water can be used to irrigate community parks and playgrounds to maintain inviting spaces for residents to enjoy. It can irrigate communal areas such as medians, entranceways, and greenbelts, and can provide an alternative for homeowners to water their private gardens and lawns. Having a reliable and sustainable source of irrigation water ensures that green spaces are well-maintained, enhancing property values and the appeal of the area. Using reclaimed water for irrigating community and private gardens reduces the demand on municipal water supplies, conserves freshwater resources, and promotes a culture of sustainable living and environmental awareness.
Case Study: Leeward Estates, Turks and Caicos
Leeward Estates residential, resort, and marina complex in Turks and Caicos is an example of a complete water and wastewater treatment project that has been successfully implemented. In a water-scarce region, the developers opted for a solution that produces potable water using reverse osmosis desalination and treats wastewater to nonpotable standards for irrigation.
Seven Seas provided a phased installation of a water and wastewater treatment plant, expanding the facility as the development progressed. The completed facility consists of a modular seawater reverse osmosis desalination plant with the capacity to produce 250,000 gallons of fresh water per day and a modular membrane bioreactor wastewater treatment plant with a capacity of 50,000 gallons per day. The plant produces high-quality nonpotable water safe for irrigation within the resort.
Reclaimed water is an excellent resource for irrigation applications, offering a sustainable and efficient way to manage resources. Using reclaimed water systems, along with wastewater treatment projects that recycle water for reuse, promotes sustainable water management and ensures a secure water future for local communities and businesses without compromising the upkeep of grounds and facilities. Contact Seven Seas to learn more about our water reuse solutions and how they can provide a sustainable and cost-effective source of irrigation.
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