Water management challenges continue to escalate as water scarcity intensifies and infrastructure deteriorates. In response, communities are shifting their focus toward decentralized or distributed water systems as a sustainable solution. Unlike traditional large-scale, centralized water treatment facilities, these smaller systems are designed to treat, reclaim, and recycle water closer to where it's used. This means treating water at or near the point of production, such as in neighborhoods or individual buildings, making the process more efficient and localized. These systems can operate independently or remain connected to a larger network, offering a versatile approach to water management.

The advantages of decentralized systems are numerous, particularly in their ability to address local environmental concerns and preserve economic resources.[1] These systems are often quicker to plan and develop, and their operation can be more time- and cost-efficient compared to larger centralized systems. Additionally, they are scalable, providing flexibility to adapt to a community’s evolving needs.

Perhaps the most compelling benefit of decentralized systems is their resiliency. They offer enhanced protection against disruptions caused by system failures or natural disasters. By recycling and reusing water locally, they also reduce the demand for potable water and minimize water loss from leaks thanks to shorter transmission distances.

These systems vary in size and scope, capable of serving individual homes, business clusters, or agricultural operations. They can be used for various purposes, including irrigation, fire protection, and cooling towers. San Francisco, for instance, has been a pioneer in advancing decentralized systems for water reuse. Since 2015, the city has mandated that buildings larger than 100,000 square feet incorporate on-site water reclamation systems.[2]

As technology advances and the concept of reuse gains more acceptance, the applications for reclaimed water continue to broaden. States like Colorado and California have begun using reclaimed wastewater for drinking, a trend that will likely spread as water scarcity persists.

[1] “The Potential of Decentralized Water Systems to Increase Resilience.” Energy5, 3 Jan. 2024, energy5.com/the-potential-of-decentralized-water-systems-to-increase-resilience.

[2] Novo, Cristina. “San Francisco’s Decentralised Approach to Water Recycling.” Smart Water Magazine, Smart Water Magazine, 23 June 2023, smartwatermagazine.com/news/smart-water-magazine/san-franciscos-decentralised-approach-water-recycling.