Water Reuse and Recycling

About Water Reuse

Water reuse is the practice of reclaiming water from a variety of sources, treating it, and reusing it for beneficial purposes. It can provide alternative supplies for potable and non-potable uses to enhance water security, sustainability, and resilience. The EPA’s Water Reuse Program helps foster collaboration among water reuse stakeholders and helps advance water reuse applications across the United States. Sign up for the EPA's water reuse email updates to learn about the latest activities and find opportunities to get engaged. 

• REUSExplorer Tool

  

  This tool contains summaries of state regulations and guidelines for a variety of water reuse applications.

  Search the REUSExplorer

• Framework for Microbial Treatment Targets

  

  This 2025 document provides detailed scientific information that regulators can use when developing risk assessments and microbial treatment targets for water reuse.

  Read the document

• Resource Hub Organized by End-Use

  

  This tool organizes useful information and resources for water reuse professionals by end-use.  

  Refer to the end uses