by Shane Henson — November 4, 2011—CH2M HILL, an organization promoting water reuse around the world, has launched WaterMatch, a social networking site that promotes the beneficial reuse of municipal effluent for industrial and agricultural use at the local level. According to CH2M HILL, the Web site uses social networking and geospatial mapping to connect water generators with water users. Once online, water users will use the WaterMatch Map to find wastewater treatment plants close to their current and potential future operations and then use the social networking function to connect with the utilities operating those plants. The Web site is designed to help communities and companies meet and then take action on water.
According to the company, water reuse is a proven, effective way to conserve limited water resources, with numerous benefits to communities, companies and the environment. Yet reuse rates are low. According to Global Water Intelligence, municipal effluent reuse rates are: U.S. 14%, China 14%, Mexico 4%, and Spain 11%. WaterMatch will provide industry and agriculture with a way to connect with municipalities to use effluent in their operations, thus linking to secure water resources in order to avoid reliance on fresh water supplies.
