Benefit evaluation of reclaimed water utilization in megacities: Multidimensional evaluation framework and case...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Urban Planning
• Water Resource Management

Background:

• Urban water scarcity necessitates effective solutions like reclaimed water utilization.
• Existing evaluation frameworks lack comprehensiveness and megacity specificity.
• Sustainable development of the reclaimed water sector requires scientific benefit assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multidimensional evaluation framework for reclaimed water utilization benefits tailored for megacities.
• To quantify resource, environmental, and social benefits into economic values for integrated analysis.
• To provide a decision-analysis method for water management and industry planning in megacities.

Main Methods:

• Developed a multidimensional evaluation framework based on China's guidelines and megacity characteristics.
• Incorporated resource, environmental, and social benefit assessment.
• Quantified benefits into economic values for integrated analysis and comparison.

Main Results:

• Applied the framework to Beijing in 2022, quantifying reclaimed water utilization value at 14.77–15.42 billion CNY.
• Identified systemic challenges including limited application diversity, energy consumption, and health risks.
• Highlighted the significant economic and societal value of reclaimed water.

Conclusions:

• The developed framework offers a reliable and operable method for evaluating reclaimed water benefits in megacities.
• Targeted policy recommendations include promoting diversified applications, technological innovation, risk prevention, and public participation.
• The study provides instructive methodology and strategic insights for global megacity water management and reclaimed water planning.