Toilet to Tap: Tucson Approves Treating Wastewater for Drinking Amid Controversy

As Tucson flushes out the details of its toilet-to-tap plans, lingering concerns about drinking purified sewage will need to be addressed head-on to increase public acceptance of this procedure.

• Tucson recently voted to approve a plan for eventually treating wastewater for drinking purposes, showing growing acceptance of "toilet to tap" water purification.

• While controversial, toilet-to-tap has a decades-long history as cities seek new water sources amid scarcity.

• Concerns remain about health risks, environmental impacts, and public perceptions, …