Water
Recycling
Water recycling reclaims water from a variety of sources, treats it, and reuses it for beneficial purposes such as irrigation, livestock water supply, groundwater replenishment, and environmental restoration
What is Water Recycling?
Water recycling, also known as water reuse, is a sustainable practice that reclaims water from various sources, treats it, and reuses it for essential purposes.
The Process
Water is reclaimed from sources like wastewater, stormwater runoff, agricultural drainage, and industrial processes. After appropriate treatment, it is reused for beneficial applications such as:
- ✓ Irrigation for crops and landscapes
- ✓ Livestock water supply
- ✓ Groundwater replenishment
- ✓ Environmental restoration
Why It Matters
Water recycling provides reliable alternatives to traditional water supplies, helping to reduce the depletion of surface and groundwater resources. Without it, we face risks like dropping water levels, increased costs, declining quality, land subsidence, stressed ecosystems, and harm to wildlife habitats.
"Helping People Help the Land" – NRCS
Key Practices
- Irrigation Reservoir (436)
- Subsurface Drain (606, 607)
- Roof Runoff Structure (558)
- Water Harvesting Catchment (636)
- Tailwater Recovery (447)
Real-world examples include rainwater harvesting in Texas for livestock, irrigation reservoirs in Arkansas for rice fields, and recirculating systems in Florida nurseries.
Benefits of Water Recycling
Water recycling provides sustainable alternatives to traditional water supplies, safeguarding resources for future generations.
Water Conservation
Reduces depletion of surface water bodies and groundwater resources, providing reliable alternatives to existing supplies.
Cost Savings
Lowers water withdrawal costs and reduces energy use through efficient storage and reuse practices.
Environmental Protection
Prevents land subsidence, habitat degradation, and impacts on neighboring resources while improving water quality.
Supports Agriculture & Restoration
Enables irrigation, livestock watering, groundwater replenishment, and environmental restoration for sustainable farming.
How to Implement Water Recycling
Water recycling can be implemented using engineering Conservation Practice Standards (CPS) that support agricultural water reuse. Here are key practices and real-world examples.
Irrigation Reservoir
Store diverted surface water, groundwater, or irrigation tailwater in a dam, pit, or tank for later use or reuse.
Roof Runoff Structure
Gutters and downspouts collect precipitation runoff from roofs to increase available water for other uses.
Tailwater Recoveri
Storage and reuse of recoverable irrigation and rainfall runoff or field drain water conserves supplies and improves quality.
Water Harvesting Catchment
Harvest water from impervious surfaces and store in tanks for livestock, wildlife, or conservation purposes.
Subsurface Drain
In-field conduits collect and convey excess water for beneficial use or reuse, improving soil and water relationships.
Waterspreading
Surface spreading of runoff over flat areas facilitates groundwater recovery for future reuse.
Real-World Examples: In Texas, runoff roof pipes into storage tanks for livestock. Arkansas uses 60-acre reservoirs for rice irrigation. Florida nurseries recirculate cooling pad water. Pakistan employs bucket drip systems for vegetables.
For more practices, contact your local NRCS Office or visit the NRCS National CPS web page.