In Texas it’s often easier to drill for oil than to find new sources of water. So after years of diminishing water supplies made even worse by the second-most severe drought in state history, some communities are resorting to turning sewage into drinking water. Hit the jump to read the rest of the story.
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Construction recently began on a $13million water-reclamation plant in Big Springs, believed to be the first of its kind in Texas.
Officials have worked to dispel any fears that people will be drinking their neighbours’ urine, promising the system will yield clean, safe water. Some residents are prepared to put aside any squeamishness if it means having an abundant water supply.
Gary Fuqua, city manager in Big Spring, which will join the cities of Midland, Odessa and Stanton in using the water.
‘Any water is good water, as far as I’m concerned,’ he said.
When the water finally reaches the tap, Fuqua said, its origin is ‘something I wouldn’t think about at all.’
Similar plants have been operating for years in Tucson, Arizona, parts of California and in other countries. Water experts predict other American cities will follow suit as they confront growing populations, drought and other issues, said Wade Miller, executive director of the WateReuse Association based outside Washington.
‘It’s happening all over the world. In some places … resources are down to very low levels, and this is one of the few resources available,’ he said
