The US Environmental Protection Agency has awarded US$329,650 to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to research human and ecological health impacts associated with water reuse and conservation practices. Nationally, US$3.3 million was awarded to five institutions nationwide for water reuse and conservation research. Researchers from the university will use the funds to determine the risk of microbes in various water reuse systems in the US. Water conservation practices that promote water reuse are becoming increasingly important, especially in the west of the country, where factors such as climate change, extreme drought, and population growth are decreasing water availability. To help promote sustainable water reuse, the research will evaluate how reclaimed water applications such as potable reuse, aquifer recharge, and irrigation can affect public and ecological health.
