Water Reuse: Terms and definitions

Appropriate water reuse should be based on the state-of-the-art technology, standards, legislation, and sound knowledge, but also in the use of correct terminology between all users and stakeholders. Several different terms are used to describe forms of water and wastewater and their sub-sequent treatment and reuse, that are used interchangeably to define water reuse globally. This has created confusion among different stakeholders and between different countries. To facilitate communication among different disciplines associated with wastewater, water reclamation and reuse practices, it is important to establish a broad understanding of the terminology used in the field.
In this sense, the aim of this document is to provide an overview of commonly used terms and definitions relating to water reuse, contributing to ensuring the proper use of associated terms.