扩大水资源再利用：市政与工业应用的临界点

© 2025 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank1818 H Street NWWashington DC 20433Telephone: 202-473-1000Internet:www.worldbank.orgThis work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this workdo not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent.The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the data included in this work and does not assume responsibility forany errors, omissions, or discrepancies in the information, or liability with respect to the use of or failure to use the information, methods, processes,or conclusions set forth. The boundaries, colors, denominations, links/footnotes and other information shown in this work do not imply any judgmenton the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. The citation of worksauthored by others does not mean the World Bank endorses the views expressed by those authors or the content of their works.Nothing herein shall constitute or be construed or considered to be a limitation upon or waiver of the privileges and immunities of The World Bank, allof which are specifically reserved.Rights and PermissionsThe material in this work is subject to copyright. Because The World Bank encourages dissemination of its knowledge, this work may be reproduced,in whole or in part, for noncommercial purposes as long as full attribution to this work is given.Please cite the work as follows:Khemka, Rochi, and Eberhard, Rolfe. 2025.Scaling Water Reuse: A Tipping Point for Municipal and Industrial Use.Washington, DC: World Bank.Any queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to World Bank Publications, The World Bank Group, 1818 H StreetNW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; fax: 202-522-2625; e-mail:pubrights@worldbank.org.Cover photo: Kalyakan/Adobe Stock FOREWORDWater reuse is no longer a marginal consideration; it is a strategic necessity.Around the world, cities and industries are under growing pressure from waterscarcity, pollution, and climate stress. The treatment and reuse of used wateroffers a powerful and practical response—a dependable source that enhanceswater security, supports economic development, and strengthens climateresilience.Cities and industries generate nearly 1 billion cubic meters of used watereach day, much of it untreated and discharged into the environment.Capturing and purifying this water to meet municipal and industrial needscan reduce pressure on freshwater sources, lower pollution, and unlock newinvestment opportunities. With the right policies and financing structures inplace, used water can become a cornerstone of a more resilient and circularwater economy.This report,Scaling Water Reuse: A Tipping Point for Municipal and IndustrialUse,is the result of a joint effort by the World Bank, the International FinanceCorporation (IFC), and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).It reflects close collaboration with various institutions and builds on extensiveconsultations with governments, utilities, private water users, and financiers.Together, these partners are shaping a common vision for embedding reuseinto national and local water strategies, anchored in strong public leadershipand supported by private sector expertise and capital.The case for scaling reuse is compelling.It is often more cost-effectivethan desalination or long-distance transfers, especially where collectionand treatment infrastructure exists and where used water is available closeto the point of reuse—such as for urban centers and industrial parks. As such,reuse should be considered part of a broader portfolio of water solutions, inconjunction with other demand-side and supply-side water managementsolutions. When water is properly valued and full lifecycle costs for varioussupply alternatives are considered, reuse stands out as both an economicallysound and environmentally sustainable solution. Moreover, reuse as a solutioncan be promoted across the public sector and private sector, as well as at thenational, municipal, and local levels. Saroj Kumar JhaGlobal DirectorWater Global DepartmentThe World Bank GroupBertrand Heysch De la BordeDirectorGlobal Head of InfrastructureInternational Finance CorporationYet current adoption remains limited. As of 2024, global reuse across allapplications accounts for only 12% of municipal freshwater withdrawals,and just 3% of potable and industrial use. Moving from isolated projects tosustained, large-scale programs will require a significant shift in how reuseis financed, delivered, and governed.This report identifies five key transitions to enable that shift:(1)appropriately valuing clean water; (2) prioritizing high-value applications; (3)normalizing the creation and use of ‘new’ water; (4) advancing programma