“地下水立方”激活城市新水源——中国水环境集团探索再生水利用新范式

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of recycled water as a sustainable solution to urban water shortages, highlighting the innovative approaches taken by China Water Environment Group in utilizing recycled water as a reliable secondary water source [1][2][3]. Group 1: Recycled Water Utilization - The scale of unconventional water utilization in China reached 21.23 billion cubic meters in 2023, with recycled water becoming a stable secondary water source for some cities [1]. - China Water Environment Group has contributed 6.5 billion tons of recycled water resources over the past decade across 22 provinces, aiding in alleviating water resource shortages and improving ecological quality [1][2]. - The distributed subsurface recycled water plants are designed to collect, treat, and reuse urban wastewater locally, creating a multi-scenario water network that supports production, ecology, and daily life [2][3]. Group 2: Technological Innovations - The subsurface recycled water plants save approximately 30% in overall investment compared to traditional wastewater treatment facilities by reducing the need for extensive pipeline networks [3]. - The plants provide ecological replenishment to local water bodies and supply municipal, landscaping, and firefighting water, achieving 100% utilization of water, land, and green energy resources [3][4]. Group 3: Policy and Future Outlook - The implementation of policies such as the "14th Five-Year Plan for Water-Saving Society Construction" is expected to boost the recycled water industry, with projected utilization rates of over 25% in major cities by 2025 [3][4]. - Each cubic meter of recycled water reused equates to saving one cubic meter of clean water and reducing carbon emissions by approximately 0.86 kilograms, indicating significant potential for urban wastewater utilization [3][4]. Group 4: Environmental Impact - Recycled water utilization plays a crucial role in reducing water pollution and lowering carbon emissions from pollution control and water resource development, aligning with the dual carbon goals [4][5]. - China Water Environment Group's initiatives in promoting the resource utilization of wastewater and sludge have positioned it as a national benchmark for green wastewater treatment facilities [5].