Sustainable Domestic Sewage Reclamation: Insights from Small Villages and Towns in Eastern China

Domestic sewage pollution poses significant risks to human health and the ecological environment but sewage water is gradually recognized as a renewable water resource worldwide. To enhance water resource utilization and facilitate reclamation from domestic sewage, substantial global efforts have focused on developing systematic management strategies and advanced technologies for treatment and resource recovery. This study examines and presents the case of domestic sewage reclamation and water reuse in the rural Hangjiahu region, situated on the southern bank of Taihu Lake in Northern Zhejiang Province, Eastern China. It provides a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art technologies implemented in the region. In rural areas, sewage treatment is decentralized and involves two primary streams: one where urine is separately disinfected and sterilized, with feces processed into agricultural fertilizer; and another where greywater undergoes bio-composting and wetland treatment to produce recycled water. Additionally, natural rainwater is collected and stored in ponds, enhancing the region’s water resources. The results demonstrate that the integration of domestic sewage reclamation and rainwater storage has effectively mitigated the risks of flooding during rainy seasons and water shortages during droughts. Remarkably, no severe floods or droughts have occurred in the region since 1991, contrasting with historical records from 1909 to 1954, when such events were frequent. This study underscores the potential for replicating these approaches in other regions facing similar challenges.