This month we are introducing a new column “Total Water Solutions.” Drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater management are closely linked. Many water utilities provide a range of services, including drinking water production, wastewater collection/ treatment, and stormwater management. The management of all waters together allows utilities to better optimize the various resources they have available. For example, treated wastewater, stormwater, and reclaimed water are among the valuable resources in a utility's water portfolio that can shift demand from diminishing water sources, reduce discharges into receiving waters, and augment the groundwater and lakes that supply drinking water.

Discussion at an AWWA international meeting suggests potable reuse is here to stay, and participants discussed everything from regulations to implementation.