1s7: Already circular, but is it safe? Safeguarding drinking water resources in circular water systems

Abstract

Clean surface water and groundwater are essential sources of drinking water. We view these natural water bodies as pristine sources for drinking water production. However, in reality both surface water and groundwater are part of the circular water cycle, and thus susceptible to contamination. A particularly challenging threat is contamination with organic micropollutants (OMPs) arising from our use of pharmaceuticals, household chemicals, and pesticides. These chemicals are released into surface water in wastewater treatment plant effluent.