Down the Drain or Back Again? The Future of Wastewater

February 14, 2025
Down the Drain or Back Again? The Future of Wastewater
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Last night, Peter Annin, author of Purified and a leading expert on water recycling, gave a presentation organized by Conserve Southwest Utah on how communities across the country are rethinking wastewater—and how Washington County could, too.

Annin highlighted case studies from places that have successfully turned wastewater into a reliable water source, including cities that have embraced direct and indirect potable reuse. He explained that while these approaches are gaining traction nationwide, every region faces unique challenges due to differences in geology, geography, public perception, and regulatory hurdles.

Understanding Wastewater Recycling

There are two primary forms of advanced wastewater reuse:

  • Indirect Potable Reuse: Treated wastewater is returned to natural sources like aquifers or reservoirs before being re-treated for drinking water. This method is used in places like Orange County, California, where the Groundwater Replenishment System purifies millions of gallons daily.
  • Direct Potable Reuse: Highly treated wastewater is sent directly into the drinking water supply. Texas has pioneered this approach in cities like Big Spring and Wichita Falls, where state-of-the-art purification processes ensure water safety.
Example of “indirect potable reuse

How Does This Relate to Washington County?

Annin compared our region’s current water management strategies with those of other water-scarce areas. He discussed what he learned from his meetings with local officials, water managers, and conservation advocates, and what our next steps might be. Key themes included:

  • The potential for wastewater reuse in our community – Currently, almost all of our wastewater is treated and released into the Virgin River or used for irrigation. Could we go further and purify it for drinking water?
  • Lessons from other cities – Annin shared examples of communities that successfully implemented IPR and DPR, emphasizing the technology and regulations that make it work.
  • Public perception and regulatory challenges – While modern purification processes make treated wastewater as safe, if not safer, than traditional water sources, public acceptance remains a major barrier in many regions.
  • Our region’s unique constraints – Washington County’s geology and reliance on reservoirs like Quail Creek and Sand Hollow present different challenges than groundwater-dependent areas. How would a wastewater reuse system integrate with our current infrastructure?

No Time To Waste

Annin’s message wasn’t just clear – it was urgent. As our population grows and water supplies tighten, we can’t afford to ignore any potential solution. In fact, he was more direct than that: when you break down the Washington County Water Conservancy District’s 20-year supply and demand projections, we’re already skating on thin ice. And that’s with the assumption that we’ll start using our wastewater soon. The question isn’t whether we should – it’s whether we can afford not to.

Some communities have already taken bold steps to purify and reuse their wastewater. Will Washington County follow suit? Do we have the stomach for it – or is the idea still too hard to swallow?

Join the Discussion

If you attended, what stood out to you most? Do you see wastewater reuse as part of our future? I’d love to hear your thoughts (email me), especially if you have examples, data, or insights from other communities.

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