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Treated wastewater reuse practices, under a holistic approach at the city scale

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  • Sotirios M. Michalopoulos

    (Hellenic Open University)

  • Ioannis K. Kalavrouziotis

    (Hellenic Open University)

Abstract

This study examines the sustainable incorporation of treated wastewater into urban water management frameworks, tackling the severe issues of water scarcity in cities that are intensified by rapid urban growth and climate change. The research aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), promoting a comprehensive strategy to guarantee universal access to clean water and sanitation. Through a cohesive management framework, the study presents Priority Objectives (PO) such as improving governance structures, creating green infrastructure, and promoting digitalization in urban environments. These objectives are backed by practical Optimization Objectives (OO) that transform strategic plans into actionable solutions aimed at strengthening urban water resilience. The analysis reveals that the integration of treated wastewater can greatly diminish the need for freshwater, enhance urban resilience and diversify water supply systems. The study underscores the essential role of sophisticated treatment technologies, including membrane bioreactors, reverse osmosis, and advanced oxidation processes, while also highlighting the necessity for adaptive policies that can support and encourage the widespread implementation of these systems. The study also emphasize on the necessity of Operations Research and Management Science (OR/MS) methodologies, like multi-objective optimization, system dynamics modeling and structured decision analysis, to enhance strategic decision-making. These quantitative approaches could enable robust scenario planning, effective resource allocation, and comprehensive performance assessment in urban wastewater reuse systems. Moreover, the core requirements for a suggested pilot action aimed at achieving over 90% efficiency in treated wastewater reuse, is presented. This pilot illustrates the significant potential for improving water resource management, showing how such solutions can be crucial in enhancing urban water security and sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Sotirios M. Michalopoulos & Ioannis K. Kalavrouziotis, 2025. "Treated wastewater reuse practices, under a holistic approach at the city scale," Operational Research, Springer, vol. 25(3), pages 1-22, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:operea:v:25:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s12351-025-00937-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s12351-025-00937-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jorge Alejandro Silva, 2023. "Wastewater Treatment and Reuse for Sustainable Water Resources Management: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-31, July.
    2. Ines Winz & Gary Brierley & Sam Trowsdale, 2009. "The Use of System Dynamics Simulation in Water Resources Management," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 23(7), pages 1301-1323, May.
    3. Mohanad Kamaz & S. Ranil Wickramasinghe & Satchithanandam Eswaranandam & Wen Zhang & Steven M. Jones & Michael J. Watts & Xianghong Qian, 2019. "Investigation into Micropollutant Removal from Wastewaters by a Membrane Bioreactor," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-15, April.
    4. Giovanna Acampa & Maria Gabriella Giustra & Claudia Mariaserena Parisi, 2019. "Water Treatment Emergency: Cost Evaluation Tools," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-18, May.
    5. Fahad Alzahrani & Momtaz Elsebaei & Rady Tawfik, 2023. "Public Acceptance of Treated Wastewater Reuse in the Agricultural Sector in Saudi Arabia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-14, October.
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