A Critical Review of Water Reuse: Lessons from Prehistoric Greece for Present and Future Challenges

Wastewater treatment and reuse has passed through different development stages with time. This study reviews the most essential changes in water reclamation reuses over millennia, focusing on initial approaches Hellenic world discussing current situation. Based archeological evidence time records, awareness of Greeks regarding land disposal, irrigation, is highlighted. The latter evolved into a plethora applications, Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) representing one last modern frontiers. Currently, advances wastewater spreading plants producing large amounts treated effluents increase potential for reuse. regarded as critical option continuing protection resources human health, while concurrently satisfying demand, particularly areas subject to increased scarcity. main constraints expansion practices are discussed, efficiency quality effluent standards issues, well lack motivations related acceptability this practice by final users. Against these challenges, need transition from an “issue-by-issue” approach broader integrated management framework