The Demonstration of Direct Potable Water Reuse: The Denver Project Technical Report (1979-1993)

The $30 million Denver Direct Potable Water Reuse Demonstration Project evaluated the feasibility of converting wastewater to drinking water to augment Denver's water supply. The main testing facility for this study processed one million gallons per day and was described as "the world's most complex water treatment plant." To establish water safety, a comprehensive testing program analyzed every known contaminant. As an ultimate test of the water safety the Project included a lifetime whole-animal health effects study, normally conducted to assess substance carcinogenicity or before approving new pharmaceuticals for use, to evaluate the possible effects from drinking recycled water long-term. The results of these evaluations concluded that reusing wastewater as a drinking water source was both economical and safe when compared to Denver's high quality drinking water and all recognized drinking water health standards.

William C. Lauer is an internationally recognized authority on treatment methods, drinking water quality, distribution system operations, drinking water health effects, and water reuse. Authoring and editing more than 25 technical books and 70 articles on these subjects have established Mr. Lauer as a leader in the drinking water profession. He thus served as an expert advisor to the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) about drinking water reuse in the International Space Station; the National Academy of Science, and the Government of Singapore NeWater potable reuse program. Lauer was the Project Manager for the ten-year, $30 million Denver Direct Potable Water Reuse Demonstration Project. In this position he directed the Project to evaluate the feasibility of converting wastewater to drinking water to augment Denver's water supply.