Water Reuse in China: Current Status, Policies, and Experience

Water reuse is being increasingly identified and considered as a sustainable water management strategy in China. This chapter provides an overview of current status, policies and standards, and experiences of water reuse across the country. Currently, with the promotion and enactment of water reuse–related policies and targets, there are rapid development in associated facilities and infrastructures and reclaimed water has been applied for many fit-for-purpose applications. At provincial levels, it is identified that water stress and economic conditions are key influencing factors for the evolution and progress of wastewater treatment and reuse. Notably centralized systems are the dominant forms of water reuse in urban areas of China. Particularly, the fit-for-purpose water reuse with multiple applications is considered to be feasible that can meet end users which require varied water quality levels. Besides, water eco-nexus cycle system that addresses environmental and cascading functions can further amplify the significance of reclaimed water in urban water systems. Some case studies are presented to illustrate the practical application of these centralized patterns. The summarized information can provide references for other water scarcity cities and regions for water system planning, design, and management.