Search
 

Drinkability: The Reuse of Water

Droughts and technology prompt increasing use of wastewater recycling.

By Debra Hazel | Updated on October 01, 2009

Most commercial buildings keep their maintenance systems behind the scenes. The Port of Portland’s headquarters here in Oregon, however, will display its wastewater treatment and water-reuse system in its lobby. The move will show its concern about an omnipresent, but still precious resource. Water may cover 70% of the planet, but that doesn’t mean it can’t–or shouldn’t–be reused.

“The Port of Portland is committed to incorporating sustainable practices in all of our operations,” says Stan Watters, director of development services and information technology at the Port. “We believe that creating a sustainable, environmentally progressive building at the front door of our region helps communicate greater Portland’s green thinking ethic and is simply the right thing to do.”

With many areas in the United States suffering through droughts, more commercial real estate developers and even entire municipalities are looking at treating and recycling gray water–from sinks and chillers–and black water–from sewage–so it can be used again.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free ALM Digital Reader.

Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Unlimited access to GlobeSt and other free ALM publications
  • Access to 15 years of GlobeSt archives
  • Your choice of GlobeSt digital newsletters and over 70 others from popular sister publications
  • 1 free article* every 30 days across the ALM subscription network
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM events and publications

*May exclude premium content
Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

GlobeSt

Join GlobeSt

Don't miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed commercial real estate decisions. Join GlobeSt.com now!

  • Free unlimited access to GlobeSt.com's trusted and independent team of experts who provide commercial real estate owners, investors, developers, brokers and finance professionals with comprehensive coverage, analysis and best practices necessary to innovate and build business.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and GlobeSt events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join GlobeSt

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.