Drought-stricken regions find water security in reclaimed wastewater, boosting agriculture and economies.
Reusing treated wastewater (reclaimed water) in water-scarce regions can help secure a stable water supply. This study looked at the economic effects of using reclaimed water for agriculture in areas facing water shortages. By introducing reclaimed water, the researchers found that agricultural production could increase, leading to positive impacts on the regional economy. They used linear programming to determine the optimal crop production levels with increased water resources and applied input-output analysis to calculate the economic ripple effects. Applying this method in Oman showed the beneficial effects of reclaimed water on the economy.