International research agency perspectives on potable water reuse

As the demand for potable quality water increases, driven by increasing human populations and economic development, the drivers for indirect and direct potable reuse of water also increase in their intensity. In this paper we inspect the national situations in developed countries in the northern and southern hemispheres (the USA and Australia), and in a middle-income country (South Africa). Examples of full scale potable reuse schemes in each country are described, followed by summaries of current research focal areas and priority challenges. Finally the international research trends and commonalities are highlighted, along with the key regional differences in research objectives and application, concluding with an outline of perceived opportunities for mutual benefit by enhanced international cooperation.