Abstract

Clean and safe water shortage represents a global concern due to climate change effects and to a variety of factors, such as poor services/supply. Wastewater, thanks to innovative treatment technologies, can be changed from infrastructure and poor management of water waste into a resource and become one of the most important sources of water supply for civil uses and in agriculture, according to circular economy principles. In fact, the use of purified wastewater represents an economic opportunity when innovative forms of public-private partnerships are established between similar economic and industrial sectors. However, some economic variables should be better studied to assess the actual economic convenience. Finally, the success of water reuse practices depends on public involvement and acceptance, which require a careful communication strategy.