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Read the official report

Natural Systems Utilities: A leading pioneer in decentralized water solutions

In the report, Natural Systems Utilities CEO Zach Gallagher is interviewed on the accelerating demand for onsite reuse and NSU’s contribution to this national movement. Gallagher highlights not only the technological advantages of OWR, but also the economic and environmental benefits for cities facing increasing pressure on potable water supplies and wastewater infrastructure.

Over the past decade, Natural Systems Utilities has delivered district-scale water reuse systems across dense urban environments. These systems help local communities with:

  • reducing the load on central wastewater treatment facilities,
  • increasing water resilience and local availability,
  • significantly decreasing potable water demand,
  • and preventing overflows into local waterways.

This approach reflects the joint mission of NSI and Natural Systems Utilities: delivering resilient, scalable, and circular water solutions that support a resilient water future.

The Domino sugar factory: A national reference project

The USC report highlights the Domino Sugar Factory Redevelopment Project in New York City as a best-practice example of district-scale OWR—one of Natural Systems Utilities flagship references.

This compact system (400,000 gallons per day / 1.5 million liters per day):

  • collects wastewater from five new mixed-use buildings,
  • treats it to high-quality non-potable standards,
  • supplies water for toilet flushing, irrigation, and cooling towers,
  • and alleviates pressure on New York City’s combined sewer system.

By reducing potable demand and sewer overflows, USC describes Domino Sugar as a model for sustainable and resilient urban development.

Connecting the USC insights to Building Facilities: OWR at the heart of future-proof buildings

The findings from the USC/Trussell study are fully aligned with NSI’s global Building Facilities strategy, an area in which Natural Systems Utilities is a cornerstone within Nijhuis Saur Industries.

Natural Systems Utilities proven expertise in decentralized water reuse, combined with NSI’s advanced industrial technologies, creates a powerful foundation for delivering next-generation onsite water solutions. Together, these capabilities allow us to support individual buildings, large districts, and entire communities with robust, scalable, and sustainable water systems. The OWR success stories highlighted by USC demonstrate why local, circular water strategies are essential for the cities of tomorrow.

Modern buildings such as residential towers, offices, hotels, stadiums, and mixed-use districts, face escalating challenges, including:
• water scarcity and rising drinking water prices,
• increasing pressure on central wastewater system
• flooding and sewer overflow risks,
• stricter environmental regulations,
• and the need to meet ambitious sustainability and ESG goals.

This is where Natural Systems Utilities onsite water reuse systems provide a proven, future-proof solution.

OWR Solutions for Building Facilities

Natural Systems Utilities decentralized systems help building owners, developers, and cities to:
• reduce potable water consumption by more than 50%,
• lower sewer discharge and prevent combined sewer overflows,
• improve resilience during droughts and heavy rainfall,
• meet regulatory and corporate sustainability requirements,
• strengthen long-term building value and infrastructure reliability.

Buildings Facilities