The general public’s aversion to drinking treated wastewater is evident, rooted in the reluctance to accept a direct pipe-to-pipe connection, for example, from a toilet to a drinking water tap. Despite advancements in treating black water from sewage sources to meet drinking water standards, there persists a general hesitancy to fully accept this possibility or understand the science behind it. The Science of Water Reuse explains how technology can sufficiently purify reclaimed water to potable water quality—even surpassing the cleanliness of the water available from conventional taps. It addresses the significant gap in the existing literature on water reuse, focusing particularly on the varied applications of reused or reclaimed water within municipal and agricultural contexts, with a specific emphasis on issues and technologies related to both direct and indirect potable water reuse. It serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, municipal planners, environmental engineering professionals, as well as undergraduate and graduate students.

• Bridges the gap between technical details and public comprehension, making the complex subject of water reuse accessible and relevant.
• Provides a comprehensive understanding of water reuse, including case studies for practical application.
• Contributes to changing public attitudes, making reclaimed water an acceptable source for potable use.

Frank R. Spellman is a retired assistant professor of Environmental Health at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Va. and author of over 155 books. Spellman has been cited in more than 400 publications; serves as a professional expert witness; incident/accident investigator for the U.S. Department of Justice and a private law firm; and consults on Homeland Security vulnerability assessments (VAs) for critical infrastructure including water/wastewater facilities nationwide. Dr. Spellman lectures on sewage treatment, water treatment and homeland security and health and safety topics throughout the country and teaches water/wastewater operator short courses at Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA). He holds a BA in public Administration; BS in Business Management; MBA; Master of Science, MS, in Environmental Engineering and PhD Environmental Engineering.