Overview
ISO 20670:2023 - Water reuse - Vocabulary is the second edition of the ISO vocabulary standard that establishes consistent terms and definitions used across water reuse standards. Applicable to all types and sizes of water reuse facilities, systems and stakeholders, the document promotes a common language for reclaimed water, greywater, direct and indirect potable reuse, and related treatment, distribution and risk-management activities. The 2023 edition updates and expands the 2018 vocabulary with new and revised entries to reflect advances in practice and technology.
Key topics and technical scope
This standard does not specify performance limits; instead it defines terminology that underpins technical standards and guidance. Major topics and terms included are:
- Treatment and process terms: advanced oxidation process (AOP), advanced treatment, disinfection, filtration, desalination, concentrate, flux, fouling.
- Water types and uses: reclaimed water, freshwater, brackish water, greywater, blackwater, beneficial use, augmentation, direct reuse.
- System types and components: centralized water reuse system, decentralized water reuse system, distribution system, cross-connection.
- Risk and quality management: hazard, hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP), critical control point (CCP), exposure assessment, barrier, biodosimetry.
- Performance and stability: biological stability, chemical stability, constituents, functional requirement.
- Environmental and operational context: aquifer, environment, environmental aspect/impact, background water.
The standard also references related ISO terminology resources (ISO Online Browsing Platform and IEC Electropedia) and cites source definitions from other ISO documents where applicable.
Practical applications - who uses ISO 20670:2023
ISO 20670:2023 is primarily a reference tool to ensure clarity and consistency across the water reuse sector. Typical users include:
- Water and wastewater utilities standardizing specifications and contracts
- Regulators and policymakers drafting reuse regulations or guidance
- Engineers and consultants designing reuse treatment and distribution systems
- Researchers and educators communicating concepts and methodologies
- Manufacturers and suppliers of treatment technologies (membranes, UV, AOPs)
- Health and environmental risk assessors implementing HACCP and exposure assessments
By providing standardized vocabulary, ISO 20670 supports the “fit for purpose” approach - ensuring reclaimed water qualities and system requirements are described consistently for intended end uses.
Related standards and resources
- Produced by ISO/TC 282 (Water reuse).
- Includes references and adapted definitions from standards such as ISO 14001:2015, ISO 5667-13:2011 and ISO 30000:2009 where noted.
- Terminology databases: ISO Online Browsing Platform and IEC Electropedia.
Keywords: ISO 20670:2023, water reuse vocabulary, reclaimed water, greywater, fit for purpose, water reuse systems, water reuse terminology, water reuse standards.
