Closing the urban water cycle means implementing strategies to reuse and recycle water within urban environments, rather than simply extracting it, using it, and discharging it as waste. This approach aims to create a more sustainable and self-sufficient urban water system.
While the provided reference doesn't directly define closing the urban water cycle, it implies that it involves more than just technical solutions. The process is interlinked with other solutions such as:
- Water Demand Reduction: This includes policies that reduce the amount of water used by residents and businesses.
- Education and Information: Raising awareness about water conservation.
- Financial Incentives: Rebates for water-efficient appliances.
- Urban Planning and Land Use Control: Managing urban development to protect water sources and expand storage capacity.
- Protecting watersheds and aquifers.
- Creating green infrastructure to absorb rainwater.
In essence, closing the urban water cycle is a holistic approach to water management that integrates water reuse, demand reduction, and sustainable urban planning. This involves treating wastewater to a standard that allows for its reuse in various applications (e.g., irrigation, industrial processes, toilet flushing) and minimizing water losses throughout the system.
