Stormwater treatment for reuse: Current practice and future development - A review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Engineering
• Water Resource Management
• Urban Hydrology

Background:

• Increasing urban imperviousness elevates flood risk and pollutant runoff.
• Stormwater harvesting offers sustainable water sources, reducing reliance on potable supplies.
• Effective treatment is crucial for 'fit-for-purpose' stormwater reuse.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review current stormwater harvesting and treatment technologies.
• To assess the performance and applicability of various treatment methods.
• To identify disinfection technologies for enhancing stormwater reuse potential.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of peer-reviewed articles and case studies on stormwater treatment.
• Analysis of raw stormwater quality versus required quality for different reuse applications.
• Evaluation of biofilters, constructed wetlands, and disinfection technologies.

Main Results:

• Biofilters and constructed wetlands are effective but often produce microbial-rich effluent, limiting reuse.
• Stormwater quality requirements vary significantly for irrigation, recreational, and potable uses.
• Disinfection technologies show potential but require careful consideration of feasibility and limitations.

Conclusions:

• Advanced treatment trains are needed to meet diverse stormwater reuse quality standards.
• Disinfection is essential for expanding the safe application of harvested stormwater.
• This review provides a database for informed decision-making in stormwater management.