The Urban Water Cycle: Its Basics and Crucial Significance

In urban environments, the water cycle is a complex process that involves the management of three essential types of water: drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater. This article will delve into the intricacies of the urban water cycle, highlighting its importance and the various stages it undergoes.

The urban water cycle begins with the collection of water from various sources, such as surface water from rivers, lakes, or lagoons, melting ice, dams, aquifers accessed through wells and suction pumps, and more. This water is then purified through filters and mechanical and chemical procedures to reach the established purity level for use.

Once purified, potable water is used in countless places, including cleaning tasks, manufacturing, sanitary use, irrigation, cooking, showering, sports, leisure, therapeutic purposes, and more. It is crucial to ensure the continuous availability of drinking water for these various uses, even in the face of large amounts of wastewater generation by inhabitants.

Wastewater, after use, is collected and transported to treatment plants for final purification. It contains different types of elements that must be removed, so it is sent to treatment plants for recovery and recycling. The final purification of wastewater involves a variety of biological and chemical processes to meet regulatory standards. Once its purity meets the regulatory standards, the treated wastewater returns to the environment.

Stormwater is collected through a sewer system and given a simple filtration to retain and eliminate certain-sized waste, with the rest being discharged directly into river currents. It is essential to ensure that wastewater returns to the environment in conditions that allow it to integrate and not end up discarded due to excess contamination, negligence, or accident.

The urban water cycle is a general process that includes water supply and sanitation services, starting with obtaining water, reaching the population, and ending with the return of wastewater to nature. In Spain, this cycle is developed through the participation of public entities, private or mixed companies, applying various public-private collaboration models such as BOTs and derivatives, as well as through concessions or service contracts.

In conclusion, the urban water cycle is fundamental to ensuring a sustainable water supply in urban areas. By understanding and appreciating its intricacies, we can work towards maintaining and improving this vital system for the benefit of all.

The Urban Water Cycle: Its Basics and Crucial Significance