Alternative Sources for Urban Water Supply

Dear Colleagues,

The European Environment Agency estimates that by 2050 about 80% of the world’s population will live in urban areas (EEA Report 12/2021). This urban expansion will create major challenges for water supply systems, increasing pressure on traditional sources such as surface water bodies and groundwater abstractions. In addition, many countries are expected to experience declining precipitation in the coming decades, further reducing the availability of these conventional water sources. To ensure water security and avoid service interruptions or supply cuts, it is an urgent necessity to invest in alternative sources. Around the world, a variety of approaches, such as desalination and the use of seawater, rainwater harvesting, the reuse of greywater, and the reuse of treated wastewater, are being developed and implemented for non-potable purposes or, under certain conditions, for human consumption if quality and safety standards are met. This Special Issue aims to gather the latest research on the following topics:

• The technical feasibility of alternative water sources;
• Innovations in treatment processes;
• Social acceptance and regulatory aspects.
• Economic, environmental, and operational factors relevant to large-scale implementation.

The goal of this Special Issue is to provide a comprehensive overview that supports the adoption of resilient urban water supply strategies.

Dr. Cristina Santos
Dr. Cristina Matos
Guest Editors

Dr. Ana Poças
Guest Editor Assistant

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