Reuse It or Lose It
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| Between dwindling water resources and escalating water demands, it seems inevitable that water reuse should play a bigger role in water management. Already, many countries in the region are experiencing the benefits of reused wastewater—from conservation of scarce water resources to prevention of coastal pollution to recovery of nutrients for agriculture and more. This issue focuses on the different uses Asia-Pacific countries make of treated wastewater, the factors decision makers need to consider in designing a water reuse program, and the possibilities that can be tapped for the byproducts of this process. |
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| Champion of Reform |
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Singapore’s NEWater isn’t an overnight success story. “It’s the product of years of investment in used water infrastructure and research on water technologies,” says Harry Seah, Director of the Technology and Water Quality Office of Singapore’s Public Utilities Board. “Good infrastructure, proper water management, competent, and correct pricing of reclaimed water are just few of the crucial ingredients for a successful water reuse program,” he adds. |
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| Focus |
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Water reuse is fast becoming an option in water scarce countries but is accompanied by multiple issues. What success factors should decision makers consider? |
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It takes time to develop a water reuse scheme but multiple rewards await the patient—from boosting scarce water supply to protecting the environment. |
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Water is too precious to use just once. Fighting drought for over a decade now, Melbourne residents have upped the ante when it comes to reusing their water. |
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Wastewater treatment is crucial to water management. But what happens to its byproduct, sludge? Experts in Wuhan City tested if sludge byproducts have commercial potentials. |
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Hyderabad and Secunderabad cities dump their wastewater on the Musi River. But farmers have come to the river’s rescue. What uses have they found for the cities’ wastewater? |
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Singapore has taken recycling to a new level, using treated wastewater for indirect potable use. Reclaimed water’s share in Singapore’s consumption, now at 15%, will double come 2010. |
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| News |
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ADB to Draw Eyes on Asia’s Water Sector in Stockholm
Preparations for the “Eye on Asia” event on 18 August at the Stockholm World Water Week are in full swing. ADB is bringing several of the region’s experts to talk about river basin management, urban water supply and sanitation solutions, and climate change impacts and costs to the region. The session will offer perspectives on these and other issues through non-traditional lenses. |
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Regional Water Knowledge Hubs Now Total 17
Four more water institutions joined the Asia-Pacific Water Forum’s KnowledgeHubs network, upping the number of hubs to 17. These institutions will serve as hubs for groundwater management, transboundary water resources management, sanitation, and water and climate change adaptation in South Asia.
Knowledge hubs are centers of excellence that promote knowledge exchange and capacity development on priority water topics. On 19 August, K-Water will be launched as the hub on water quality management in river basins.
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ADB, Singapore Water Week Enter Partnership
ADB will be a strategic partner of Singapore International Water Week from 2010-2012, ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda announced in his speech at last month’s SIWW 2009 opening ceremony. As strategic partner, ADB will provide guidance and direction to SIWW’s future programs and activities.
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ADB, Knowledge Hub Discuss New Paradigms for Water Governance
Water governance models, arenas, and key result areas were discussed at a meeting of leaders, advisers, and academics, organized by ADB and knowledge hub Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore on 1-3 July. New programs, directions, and collaborations were also discussed. View the presentations.
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NARBO to Improve IWRM Guidelines and Trainings for Greater Impact
The Network of Asian River Basin Organizations (NARBO) is improving its Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Guidelines and upgrading the contents of its IWRM Trainings for greater impact in the region. NARBO’s 6th IWRM Training Course is being planned for November in Hoi An, Viet Nam. |
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Water Pilot Projects Completed in Philippines, People’s Republic of China
Two of ADB’s water pilot and demonstration activities have recently been completed. One tested local, cost-effective technology to reduce mercury and heavy metal toxicity in the Philippines’ Meycauayan river system. Another in the People’s Republic of China determined commercial uses for sludge to help solve Wuhan City’s surplus sludge problem. |
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ADB, Japan to Help Asia Cut Human, Economic Losses from Water Disasters
A US$2M grant from ADB and Japan will support investments in water-related disaster management. The grant will provide financial and advisory support for investments in flood hazard mapping with vulnerable communities, and for demonstration projects to improve flood forecasting through a regional, satellite-supported alert system, among others. |
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India: ADB Extends $200M for Urban Development in North East Cities
Underdeveloped North East India will receive an ADB loan of up to US$200M to improve infrastructure in five state capital cities. The funds will be used for a variety of subprojects that improve water supply, sanitation and solid waste management, with a special emphasis on those that benefit the urban poor. |
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Pakistan: ADB, UK Provide Additional US$45M to Boost Social Services
ADB's Punjab Devolved Social Services Program, co-financed by United Kingdom's Department for International Development, has recently received its third tranche of US$45M equivalent. The program helps support improvements in the delivery of health, education, water supply, sanitation and other social services in the region.
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South Asia: ADB to Help Improve Water Management in 3 Urban Centers
An ADB $850,000 grant is helping select urban centers in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka improve water management to enhance economic opportunities and reduce waterborne diseases. ADB’s KyeongAe Choe said, “To improve urban water management, water security in South Asian urban centers needs to be properly assessed and reliable information shared.”
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Water for All News is produced by the Asian Development Bank
(ADB) to provide current information
to developing member countries, professionals, researchers,
private sector, civil society, academe, and their counterparts
in the donor community who are interested in water sector
issues that affect the pace of development.
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