Next time you flush your toilet or empty your kitchen sink, give it a thought that the water going down the drain may turn up in your tap as drinking water. This is because the National Research Council (NRC) believes that waste water is better than fresh water, despite the fact that it once had human waste, scum, dirt in it.

1) What Is Waste Water?

An official report said recently that Americans are consuming more and more waste water, or ‘toilet on tap’ as it is also called, these days, without being aware of it. Now, before you draw your guns, read what NRC has to say on this. Although, a survey in this regard was done way back in 1980, at that time too, it was mentioned that only treated wastewater is used for public consumption. The waste water is treated with chemicals in a treatment plant. During the treatment, materials like oils, chemicals, and soaps are filtered out. Now, don’t feel disgusted to know that this water, rather ‘used water’, comes from the sinks, washing machines, dishwashers, and bathtubs. The used water from businesses and industries also contributes to this. After complete treatment, this water is oxygenated to make it safe for your consumption.

2) The NRC Story

The NRC took a normal water sample with 5% waste water and a sample that was completely treated. It compared both the samples and examined 24 different contaminants and pathogens to conclude that the treated waste water was as good as the tap water to use. One of the researchers, who contributed to the report, said, “You can have a supply that is as safe as the current drinking water supply. It’s a drought-proof supply.”

3) Change In Stance

NRC had made an announcement in 1998, which was diametrically opposite to what it says at present. Then, a paper had said that wastewater, which was treated, should be considered as “an option of last resort” for drinking. Jörg Drewes, a professor of engineering at the Colorado School of Mines and one of the contributors to the NRC report is now saying that wastewater was now a 'viable option'. He said, “This can be done reliably without putting the public at risk. We can really say that there is no difference from the risk standpoint. You can have a supply that is as safe as the current drinking water supplies. Wastewater is a drought-proof supply. People are always generating wastewater.”

With water scarcity no longer a thing in distant future (Arizona and California are already facing it), the waste water may seem like a real option now. However, the question remains – is waste water better than fresh water? Well, it is certainly better than recycled urine, isn't it?

Image Courtesy: wastematerialthing.com