Study supports use of treated wastewater as a public water source

A new study may boost the idea of using treated wastewater to augment local drinking water supplies.

Treated wastewater in places like Milwuakee is already sent into Lake Michigan, for later re-use after going through drinking water filtration plants. A committee of the National Research Council has taken a closer look at more direct reuse of municipal wastewater. Panel member Dr. Henry Anderson of the UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health says the basic conclusion is that wastewater treatment is improving.

Anderson says more wastewater plants force water through a fine rubbery membrane that doesn't let organisms and large chemical compounds through. In some drier parts of the country, treated wastewater is sometimes used on farm fields and golf courses. The National Research Council says the reclaimed water could add to local drinking water supplies. The council says changing federal law could help ensure a high level of protection for the public.

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