Monitoring Frequencies for On-Site Water Reuse

Abstract

On-site water reuse can provide water for nonpotable applications, but ensuring long-term performance and managing treatment failures is challenging without dedicated monitoring personnel. This study proposes a risk-based framework to determine enteric pathogen log-removal targets (LRTs) as a function of operational monitoring frequency. The framework integrates (i) quantitative microbial risk assessment, (ii) modeled pathogen concentrations at three collection scales, and (iii) failure models for three treatment configurations. As an example, LRTs were calculated considering different monitoring frequencies for greywater reuse. Results show that smaller systems require less frequent monitoring due to lower pathogen occurrence compared to larger systems, e.g., >1 day at a 5-people scale vs <500 s for a 1000-people system to meet norovirus risk with a bimodal treatment barrier failing up to four times per year. Incorporating a residual disinfectant or multiple barriers extends the required monitoring intervals. While LRTs are comparable across collection scales, this study highlights a key advantage of small systems─reduced monitoring requirements─contrasting prior work that found no benefits of downsizing in terms of treatment train design. This framework can support technology developers in quantifying trade-offs between treatment and monitoring and aid regulators in establishing monitoring requirements for on-site water reuse.